JP4180866B2

JP4180866B2 - Absorbent article having elastic restoring portion and method for producing the same

Info

Publication number: JP4180866B2
Application number: JP2002276393A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 竜也田村; 聡水谷; 慎平小松; 真末兼
Original assignee: Uni Charm Corp
Current assignee: Uni Charm Corp
Priority date: 2002-09-09
Filing date: 2002-09-20
Publication date: 2008-11-12
Anticipated expiration: 2022-09-20
Also published as: KR20050035867A; CN1961851A; CN1961851B; KR101013477B1; TWI230056B; TW200414893A; MY156055A; AU2003261984A8; WO2004021947A1; CN1662201A; JP2004154154A; AU2003261984A1; CN100409829C

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、女性性器から排泄される経血などの吸収に適した吸収性物品に係り、特に、着用時の圧縮変形や縒れを復元させるための弾性復元部を有する吸収性物品およびその製造方法に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
女性性器から排泄される経血を吸収する吸収性物品の一般的な構造は、吸収層と、この吸収層の肌側表面を覆う液透過性の表面シートと、前記吸収層の着衣側表面を覆う液不透過性の裏面シートとを有するものであり、通常は下着のクロッチ布の内面に前記裏面シートが感圧接着層を介して接着された状態で着用される。
【０００３】
前記吸収性物品において排泄部からの排泄液を確実に補足するためには、前記肌側表面を身体の排泄部に密着させることが望まれる。吸収性物品を股間部に着用しているときに、吸収性物品の肌側表面と前記排泄部との間に隙間が生じると、前記表面シートに与えられた排泄液が表面シートに沿って流れ、吸収性物品の側方からの洩れや臀部方向への洩れが発生しやすくなって、下着やその他の着衣を汚すおそれがある。
【０００４】
そこで、従来の吸収性物品として、以下の特許文献１ないし特許文献３に記載のように、肌側表面に凹溝を形成し、この凹溝で挟まれた部分を隆起させて身体の排泄部に密着させやすくしたものがある。
【０００５】
特許文献１に記載されている吸収性物品は、中央部分に吸収体の厚みを大きくした隆起部が設けられ、この隆起部の左右両側に、一対の湾曲した表溝が形成されている。前記表溝が可撓軸となって吸収体を折れやすくすることで、前記隆起部を装着者側へ凸の断面アーチ形状に変形させようとしている。
【０００６】
特許文献２に記載の吸収性物品は、肌当接面に凹部で囲まれた縦方向に長い突設部が設けられている。前記突設部を隆起させて身体の排泄部に密着させやすくするとともに、前記突設部を囲む凹部により液をせき止めて周囲への拡散を防止しようとしている。
【０００７】
特許文献３に記載の吸収性物品は、実質的に縦長の吸収性物品の吸収体が存在している領域の表面に、長手方向縁部から内方へ向けて円弧状の折曲部が設けられ、この折曲部で囲まれた部分に防漏壁形成領域が形成されている。着用時に前記防漏壁形成領域が股間部に向けて立ち上がることにより、排泄液の横漏れを防止しようとしている。
【０００８】
【特許文献１】
特開平１０−３２８２３２号公報
【特許文献２】
特開平１１−３３０５４号公報
【特許文献３】
特開平８−３２２８７５号公報
【０００９】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
図１５は、前記特許文献１ないし特許文献３などに記載されている吸収性物品が身体に着用された状態を模式的に示す断面図である。
【００１０】
図１５では、身体の股間部５０と大腿部５１と、前記股間部５０に装着される下着のクロッチ布２５を示し、また従来の吸収性物品を符号６０で示している。この吸収性物品６０は、クロッチ布２５の内面に接着して固定される。前記各特許文献に記載の従来例では、いずれも吸収性物品６０の肌側表面に一対の凹溝６１，６１が形成され、この凹溝６１，６１で挟まれた中央部６２を股間部５０の排泄部に密着させようとしている。
【００１１】
図１５に示すように、吸収性物品６０をクロッチ布２５に装着して着用すると、歩行時などにおいてクロッチ布２５と吸収性物品６０に対して大腿部５１，５１から横方向の圧縮力Ｆ，Ｆが与えられることが多い。この圧縮力により左右の凹溝６１，６１が接近しようとし、凹溝６１，６１で挟まれた中央部６２に左右からの圧縮力が作用する。
【００１２】
しかし、前記従来の吸収性物品６０では、横方向からの圧縮力を受けたときに、その弾性回復力を主に中央部６２に設けられた吸収層の復元力に頼っている。しかし、中央部６２に設けられる吸収層は、股間部５０への当たりを柔らかくし、しかも液の吸収容量を大きくする必要があるため、目付けが大きく且つ低密度のものとなっている。したがって、図１５に示すように圧縮変形したときにその横方向への弾性回復力が弱く、圧縮変形したまま幅寸法が回復できなかったり、さらには吸収性物品全体が股間部の動きにしたがって縒れ、その縒れ状態を復元できないことが多い。
【００１３】
特に前記のように目付けが大きく低密度の吸収層は、経血などの排泄液を吸収すると弾性復元力が低下するため、中央部６２が股間部５０からの圧力を受けて潰れたときに嵩を回復することができず、また圧縮力Ｆ，Ｆを受けて幅寸法が収縮したときに幅方向への復元力がきわめて低下する。よって大腿部５１，５１の間隔を広げたときにも、吸収性物品は幅方向に収縮したままとなり、または縒れたままとなって、吸収性物品６０の肌側表面の面積が低下し、さらには股間部５０との間にも隙間が形成されやすくなって、横漏れが生じやすくなる。
【００１４】
また、前記各特許文献に記載の従来例は、いずれも凹溝６１が左右に一条ずつのみ設けられた構造であるため、図１５に示すように変形すると、凹溝６１よりも外側の側端部６３，６３と中央部６２とが接触しやすくなる。その結果、中央部６２に与えられた排泄液は側端部６３，６３に移行し、排泄液が吸収性物品６０の幅方向へ拡散してしまう。すなわち凹溝６１，６１により排泄液の拡散効果を達成することができず、排泄液の横漏れが生じやすくなる。
【００１５】
また、前記吸収性物品に与えられた排泄液が横方向へ洩れるのを防止するために、吸収性物品の肌側表面において横方向に間隔を開けて縦方向に延びる防漏壁を設けたものがある。この防漏壁は、不透液性のシートに縦方向に弾性収縮力を発揮する弾性部材が設けられたものであり、前記弾性収縮力により、シートが肌側起点から立ち上がるようになっている。
【００１６】
しかし、従来の吸収性物品は身体への着用中において、前記圧縮力Ｆ，Ｆなどを受け、さらには排泄液を吸収した状態となると、吸収性物品の形状保持能力が低下するために、変形や縒れが生じやすくなる。このような場合に、前記防漏壁の前方と後方での立ち上がり起点が製品の変形に伴って縦方向中心線に向けへ移動したり、あるいは吸収性物品の捩れにより前後方向に移動しやすくなる。よって、防漏壁の立ち上がり状態が不安定になって、防漏壁が捩れたり、あるいは防漏壁が縦方向中心線に向けて倒れ込んで、肌側表面の液の吸収面積を低下させる可能性が有る。
【００１７】
また、前記特許文献１または特許文献２などのように、縦長の吸収性物品に前記防漏壁を設けた場合に、防漏壁の縦方向の寸法が長くなるため、防漏壁が不安定になる。この種の縦長の吸収性物品が着用される場合、身体の動きに対して防漏壁が予想外に動くことになり、その結果、防漏壁の捩れや倒れがさらに生じやすくなる。
【００１８】
本発明は上記従来の課題を解決するものであり、横方向からなどの圧縮力を受けたときの弾性回復力を高めて、排泄液の洩れを防止しやすい吸収性物品およびその製造方法を提供することを目的としている。
【００１９】
また本発明は、肌側表面に防漏壁が設けられものにおいて、防漏壁の立ち上がり姿勢を安定させることができる吸収性物品を提供することを目的としている。
【００２０】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は、肌側表面に位置する液透過性の表面シートと、着衣側表面に位置する裏面シートと、前記表面シートと前記裏面シートの間に位置する吸収層とを有する吸収性物品において、
縦方向に延びる中心線から左右両側に離れた位置に、少なくとも前記表面シートと前記吸収層とを圧着した第１の圧着部および前記第１の圧着部の外側に間隔を空けた第２の圧着部がそれぞれ縦方向に延びて形成されて、右側の第１の圧着部と左側の第１の圧着部との間に前記吸収層を有する中央吸収部が形成されており、
それぞれの前記第１の圧着部と第２の圧着部との間に、前記中央吸収部が外力によって横方向へ収縮させられたときに、前記中央吸収部に対して前記収縮からの復元力を作用させる弾性復元部が形成されており、前記弾性復元部が前記吸収層よりも高密度の層を有していることを特徴とするものである。
【００２１】
この吸収性物品では、第１の圧着部と第２の圧着部との間に弾性復元部が設けられているため、横方向からの圧縮力を受けたときに、前記弾性復元部の復元作用により吸収性物品の幅寸法が回復しやすく、また縒れも回復しやすい。特に、第１の圧着部と第１の圧着部で挟まれた中央吸収部が排泄液を吸収したときに、前記第１の圧着部によりこの排泄液がせき止められて弾性復元部が濡れにくくなっている。そのため、中央吸収部が排泄液を吸収してその弾性復元力が低下しても、両側の弾性復元部が常に弾性回復力を発揮でき、幅寸法が戻りやすく、また縒れも復元しやすい。
【００２３】
なお、前記弾性復元部の幅寸法は、前記中央吸収部の幅寸法の半分以下であることが好ましくさらには１／３以下である。
【００２４】
弾性復元部の幅寸法を小さくすると、この第１の圧着部と第２の圧着部とで挟まれた弾性復元部に細長で高密度の層を形成でき、弾性復元力を発揮しやすくなる。また弾性復元力を細くすることにより、弾性復元力が肌へ違和感を与え難くなる。
【００２５】
本発明では、例えば、前記弾性復元部は、第１の圧着部と第２の圧着部および表面シートと裏面シートの間に、前記吸収層が圧縮されて挟まれることで構成できる。
【００２６】
または、前記弾性復元部には、第１の圧着部と第２の圧着部および表面シートと裏面シートの間に、親水性繊維で形成された前記吸収層および合成繊維で形成された不織布が一緒に圧縮されて挟まれているものとして構成できる。
【００２７】
この場合、前記第１の圧着部では、前記吸収層と前記不織布とが一緒に圧着されていることが好ましい。また、前記不織布は例えばエアースルー不織布である。
【００２８】
前記のように、弾性復元部に、パルプなどの親水性繊維を主体とする吸収層のみならず合成繊維で形成された不織布を一緒に挟み込むことにより、弾性復元力をさらに大きくできる。特に合成繊維を含むことで弾性復元部に排泄液が与えられたときも弾性復元力が低下し難くなる。また第１の圧着部に合成繊維を含ませることで、前記合成繊維を溶融状態にできるため、排泄液を含んだときにも第１の圧着部の圧着状態を維持できるようになる。
【００２９】
また、本発明は、前記弾性復元部には、圧縮された前記吸収層と共に弾性力を発揮する補強部材が設けられ、または前記補強部材のみが設けられているものであってもよい。
【００３０】
前記補強部材は、発泡ウレタン樹脂や親水処理された発泡ウレタン樹脂、または合成ゴムなどである。
【００３１】
さらに、それぞれの前記弾性復元部は、横方向基準線の位置でその対向間隔が最も狭くなっており、前記横方向基準線から縦方向の両側へ離れるにしたがって前記中心線から徐々に離れるように形成されていることが好ましく、例えば前記弾性復元部は、前記中心線に凸側が向けられる湾曲線形状である。
【００３２】
さらに、前記弾性復元部は、前記第１の圧着部と第２の圧着部とが等距離を保って幅寸法が一定となる部分を有していることが好ましい。
【００３３】
この構成では大腿部からの力を弾性復元力の各部でほぼ均等に受けることができる。また、弾性復元力が大腿部に違和感を与えることもなくなる。
【００３４】
また、本発明は、吸収性物品は、縦方向に延びる両側縁部を有しており、それぞれの第２の圧着部と前記側縁部の間に側端部が形成され、この側端部には縦方向への弾性収縮力が作用しているものとして構成できる。
【００３５】
この場合、股間部に着用したときに、前記弾性収縮力により側端部が肌側に向けて立ち上がるようになり、側端部が横漏れを防止する防漏部として機能するようになる。このとき、中央吸収部と前記側端部との間には、第１の圧着部と第２の圧着部および弾性復元部が設けられているため、中央吸収部と前記側端部が接触し難くなり、中央吸収部から側端部に排泄液が移行しにくくなって、側端部の防漏効果を高めることができる。
【００３６】
また本発明は、肌側表面には、横方向に間隔を開けて縦方向に延びるシートが設けられ、このシートは前方部分と後方部分で肌側表面に固定され、中間部分で前記シートが肌側表面から立ち上がって防漏壁を形成しており、前記防漏壁の前方での立ち上がり起点と後方での立ち上がり起点の少なくとも一方が、前記第２の圧着部の近傍に位置しているものである。
【００３７】
または、前記立ち上がり起点は、第２の圧着部の端部の近傍に位置しているものである。
【００３８】
このように、防漏壁の立ち上がり起点を第２の圧着部の近傍あるいは第２の圧着部の端部の近傍、すなわち弾性復元部の近傍に設けることにより、防漏壁の立ち上がり起点の不規則な移動を抑制でき、排泄液を吸収した湿潤状態で大腿部から圧力を受けた場合であっても、防漏壁の捩れや倒れを抑制できる。
【００３９】
また本発明は、それぞれの前記第１の圧着部と連続して吸収性物品の後縁部に向けてその横方向の対向間隔が徐々に狭くなる第１の後方圧着部と、前記第１の後方圧着部と前記側縁部との間で前記第１の後方圧着部と間隔を開けて形成された第２の後方圧着部とが設けられ、
肌側表面には、横方向に間隔を開けて縦方向に延びるシートが設けられ、このシートは前方部分と後方部分で肌側表面に固定され、中間部分で前記シートが肌側表面から立ち上がって防漏壁を形成しており、前記防漏壁の前方での立ち上がり起点が前記第１の圧着部の近傍に位置し、前記防漏壁の後方での立ち上がり起点が前記第２の後方圧着部の近傍に位置しているものである。
【００４０】
または、前記防漏壁の後方での立ち上がり起点が前記第２の後方圧着部の前端の近傍に位置しているものである。
【００４１】
この場合も、防漏壁の後方での立ち上がり起点が、第１の後方圧着部と第２の後方圧着部との間に形成される後方弾性復元部による弾性復元作用を受けるようになり、不規則な移動を抑制して、防漏壁の捩れや倒れを防止できるようになる。
【００４２】
ここで、前記近傍は、４５ｍｍ以内の距離であることが好ましく、さらに好ましくは２５ｍｍである。
【００４３】
また、本発明は、特に生理用ナプキンとして使用されるのに適している。
生理用ナプキンの場合、股間部に着用したまま活動することが多く、大腿部からの圧縮力による収縮変形や縒れが生じやすいが、本発明の吸収性物品では、前記弾性復元部を有するために、前記変形や縒れを回復しやすいものとなる。
【００４４】
次に、本発明は、肌側表面に位置する液透過性の表面シートと、着衣側表面に位置する裏面シートと、前記表面シートと前記裏面シートの間に位置する吸収層とを有し、縦方向に延びる中心線から左右両側に離れた位置に、少なくとも前記表面シートと前記吸収層とを圧着した第１の圧着部および前記第１の圧着部の外側に間隔を開けた第２の圧着部がそれぞれ縦方向に延びて形成されている吸収性物品を製造する方法において、
所定の間隔をあけて配置された第１の凸部と、それぞれの前記第１の凸部よりも外側に位置する第２の凸部と、前記第１の凸部と第２の凸部の間に位置して前記第１の凸部の頂点からの深さがＤ１の凹部と、前記第１の凸部と第１の凸部との間に位置する前記深さがＤ２の第１の底部と、両第１の凸部よりも外側に位置する前記深さがＤ３の第２の底部とを有し、Ｄ１＜Ｄ２で且つＤ１＜Ｄ３とされた加圧部材を用い、
前記加圧部材で、肌側表面から少なくとも吸収層を加圧して、前記第１の凸部で前記第１の圧着部を、前記第２の凸部で前記第２の圧着部を形成すると共に、前記凹部で、前記第１の圧着部と第２の圧着部の間に位置する吸収層を加圧して、前記第１の底面と第２の底面に対向する部分の吸収層よりも高密度に圧縮することを特徴とするものである。
【００４５】
この場合に、前記第１の底部と前記第２の底部では、吸収性物品を実質的に加圧しないことが好ましい。
【００４６】
ただし、第１の底部と第２の底部に対向する部分の吸収層が、前記凹部で加圧された吸収層よりも低密度であれば、前記第１の底部と第２の底部とで吸収層を若干加圧してもよい。
【００４７】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の吸収性物品は、身体から排泄される経血、尿、おりものなどを吸収することを目的として身体の股間部に着用されるものであるが、以下の実施の形態では、女性の膣口から排泄される経血を吸収することを主な目的とする生理用ナプキンを例として説明する。また吸収性物品の２つの表面のうち股間部に向けられる表面を肌側表面とし、反対側の表面は、その外側に着衣が着用されるか否かに拘らず着衣側表面と表現する。
【００４８】
本明細書での圧着部とは、少なくとも表面シートと吸収層または吸収層と吸収層以外の部材とが高密度に圧縮されて、その形態を維持できる状態を意味する。
【００４９】
また、本発明での弾性復元部とは、中央吸収部を単独でその幅が縮まるように所定寸法だけ収縮させる加圧力を与え、前記加圧力を除去したときに中央吸収部が元の形に復元しようとして左右両側へ向けて生じる左右それぞれの方向への反発力よりも、前記中央吸収部を除いた状態で一対の弾性復元部を前記所定寸法だけ近づける力を与え、その力を除去したときにそれぞれの弾性復元部が元の状態に戻ろうとして左右両側へ向けてそれぞれが生じる反発力の方が大きく設定できるものを意味する。
【００５０】
また、縦方向中心線とは、吸収性物品を横方向に二分して縦方向に延びる線を意味する。一方、横方向基準線は、必ずしも吸収性物品を縦方向に二分する位置を横断していることを意味せず、以下の実施の形態のように右側の第１の圧着部と、左側の第１の圧着とが平行でない場合、左右に位置する第１の圧着部どうしが最も接近している位置において横方向に延びる線を横方向基準線と定義する。また、左右の第１の圧着部が互いに平行な場合のように、その最も接近する位置を特定できない場合には、身体に装着したときに、膣口に当たる部分での縦方向の中心を通る線を横方向基準線と定義する。
【００５１】
図１は本発明の吸収性物品の第１の実施の形態として生理用ナプキン１を肌側表面を上向きにして示した平面図、図２（Ａ）は、図１の生理用ナプキンをＩＩａ−ＩＩａ線で切断した半断面図、図２（Ｂ）は、図１の生理用ナプキンをＩＩｂ−ＩＩｂ線で切断した半断面図、図３は前記生理用ナプキンを下着のクロッチ布に装着した状態を示す断面図、図４は前記クロッチ布および生理用ナプキンが横方向からの圧縮力により変形した状態を示す模式的に示す断面図、図５は前記変形状態を模式的に示す平面図である。
【００５２】
図１に示す生理用ナプキン１の平面形状は縦長であり、縦方向中心線Ｏｙ−Ｏｙから横方向に等距離を開けて縦方向に延びる右側縁部１ａと左側縁部１ｂを有し、横方向基準線Ｏｘ−Ｏｘから前後に間隔を開けた突曲線形状の前縁部１ｃおよび後縁部１ｄを有している。なお、例えば図１に示すように生理用ナプキンにウイング部１８，１８が形成されている場合に、前記右側縁部１ａと左側縁部１ｂとは、ウイング部１８，１８をその根元から切除したときの仮想切断線Ａ，Ａを含めたものとして説明する。
【００５３】
図２と図３の各断面図に示すように、この生理用ナプキン１は、着衣側表面に現れる液不透過性の裏面シート２と、肌側表面に現れる液透過性の表面シート３を有している。前記裏面シート２と前記表面シート３との間には吸収層４が介在している。この吸収層４は、図１において点線で示す範囲内に設けられた第１の吸収層４ａの上に、第１の吸収層４ａよりも面積の小さい点線で示す範囲の第２の吸収層４ｂが重ねられており、また砂時計形状の中央吸収部５では、前記第２の吸収層４ｂの上に、これよりも面積の小さい第３の吸収層４ｃが重ねられている。
【００５４】
そして、少なくとも表面シート３と前記吸収層４とが圧着されて圧着部１０が形成されている。この圧着部１０は、後に説明する加圧部材を用いたエンボス加工によって形成されたものであり、前記第１の吸収層４ａ、第２の吸収層４ｂ、第３の吸収層４ｃおよび表面シート３が重ねられた状態で、表面シート３の表面側から加圧され且つ加熱される。その結果、前記圧着部１０では、前記吸収層および表面シート３がほぼフィルム状となるまで加圧された高密度圧着部１０ａと、前記高密度圧着部１０ａと高密度圧着部１０ａとの間には、フィルム状にはなっていないが圧着部１０以外の領域よりも吸収層が高密度となった中密度圧着部１０ｂが形成される。圧着部１０は、この高密度圧着部１０ａと中密度圧着部１０ｂとが交互に形成されて、生理用ナプキン１の肌側表面から裏面シート２側へ窪む線状の圧搾溝を形成している。
【００５５】
前記圧着部１０は、縦方向中心線Ｏｙ−Ｏｙから右側と左側に等距離開けて位置する第１の圧着部１１，１１と、前記第１の圧着部１１，１１よりも外側に間隔を開けて位置する第２の圧着部１２，１２を有している。第１の圧着部１１，１１および第２の圧着部１２，１２は、共に縦方向中心線Ｏｙ−Ｏｙに凸側が向けられる円弧状の湾曲線に沿う圧搾溝であり、第１の圧着部１１，１１と第２の圧着部１２，１２は、第２の圧着部１２，１２の全長において互いに等距離となるように配置されている。
【００５６】
前記圧着部１０は、第１の圧着部１１，１１の前端および後端部間を繋ぐ横向き圧着部１３，１３を有している。この横向き圧着部１３，１３は横方向基準線Ｏｘ−Ｏｘに凹側が向けられた円弧状の湾曲線に沿う圧搾溝である。この実施の形態では、前記第１の圧着部１１，１１および横向き圧着部１３，１３とで囲まれた領域が前記中央吸収部５であり、前記第２の圧着部１２，１２は、この中央吸収部の外に位置している。
【００５７】
前記圧着部１０は、第１の圧着部１１，１１に連続して前記横向き圧着部１３よりも前方へ延びる前方延長圧着部１４，１４と、同じく前記第１の圧着部１１，１１と連続して横向き圧着部よりも後方へ延びる後方延長圧着部１５，１５を有している。
【００５８】
前記第１の圧着部１１，１１と第２の圧着部１２，１２とで挟まれた領域が弾性復元部６，６である。この弾性復元部６，６は、前記第２の圧着部１２，１２が形成されている範囲において一定の幅で円弧状に形成されている。また、第２の圧着部１２と右側縁部１ａとで挟まれた領域、および第２の圧着部１２と左側縁部１ｂとで挟まれた領域が、それぞれ側端部７，７である。
【００５９】
前記吸収層４は、中央吸収部５と各弾性復元部６，６の全域、および第２の圧着部１２，１２から外側へ延びて各側端部７，７の途中までの範囲で設けられている。
【００６０】
図２に示すように、中央吸収部５では、第１の吸収層４ａ、第２の吸収層４ｂおよび第３の吸収層４ｃが重ねられて目付けが大きく嵩高となった中央部吸収層４Ａが設けられている。また各弾性復元部６，６に設けられた弾性復元層４Ｂは、前記第１の吸収層４ａと第２の吸収層４ｂとが積層された比較的目付けの大きい吸収層であり、さらに弾性復元層４Ｂでは、前記吸収層が圧縮されて密度が高められている。そして、各側端部７，７には前記第１の吸収層４ａから成る側端部吸収層４Ｃが設けられている。
【００６１】
弾性復元層４Ｂの目付けは、中央部吸収層４Ａの目付けと同じであってもよいし、あるいは中央部吸収層４Ａの目付けよりもやや小さくてもよい。ただし、前記弾性復元部６，６において充分な弾性復元力を発揮させるためには、前記弾性復元層４Ｂの目付けは、側端部吸収層４Ｃの目付けよりも大きいことが好ましい。
【００６２】
それぞれの前記弾性復元部６を形成する際には、第１の圧着部１１と第２の圧着部１２との横方向の間隔を狭くし、エンボスパターンの凸部で表面シート３と吸収層とを加圧する際に、前記凸部の押圧力で表面シート３に横方向への伸びを与えながら、表面シート３と吸収層とを加圧し加熱して圧搾溝を形成する。したがって、第１の圧着部１１と第２の圧着部との間の吸収層は、伸ばされた前記表面シート３の弾性復元力によって押さえ付けられるようにして、前記裏面シート２と表面シート３との間に挟み込まれる。このように圧着部１１，１２を形成することにより、弾性復元部６内の弾性復元層４Ｂを、中央部吸収層４Ａや側端部吸収層４Ｃよりも密度の高いものにできる。
【００６３】
また、前記第１の圧着部１１と第２の圧着部１２を形成する際に、両圧着部１１と１２の間に、予め圧縮させて密度を高くした吸収層を供給し、この吸収層を、圧着部１１，１２を形成することでさらに圧縮し、密度の高い弾性復元層４Ｂを形成してもよい。
【００６４】
図２および図３に示すように、前記第１の圧着部１１，１１と第２の圧着部１２，１２は、表面シート３から裏面シート２に向けて凹状となる圧搾溝であるため、中央吸収部５、弾性復元部６，６は、共に肌側に向けて凸状に形成されている。後に説明するように弾性復元部６，６が肌側へ向けて凸状であると、図４に示す変形状態のときに、中央吸収部５と側端部７，７とを互いに隔てやすくなる。
【００６５】
前記圧着部１０では、少なくとも第１の圧着部１１と第２の圧着部１２において、高密度圧着部１０ａおよび中密度圧着部１０ｂの双方において、その密度が、中央部吸収層４Ａと側端部吸収層４Ｃおよび弾性復元層４Ｂよりも高くなっている。これにより、前記第１の圧着部１１および第２の圧着部１２が、その部分で生理用ナプキンを折りやすくする可撓軸として機能し、また横向き圧着部１３，１３、および前方延長圧着部１４，１４と後方延長圧着部１５，１５も可撓軸として機能する。
【００６６】
図１および図２に示すように、肌側表面の両側部には、不透液性シート２０，２０が設けられ、左右の不透液性シート２０，２０によりそれぞれ防漏壁２１，２１が形成されている。この左右の不透液性シート２０，２０の形状および防漏壁２１，２１の構造は、縦方向中心線Ｏｙ−Ｏｙを挟んで互いに対称であるため、以下においては右側に位置する不透液性シート２０および防漏壁２１についてのみ説明し、左側はその説明を省略するとともに、各図面においても左側の防漏壁の構造を示すための符号を省略する。
【００６７】
図２（Ａ）（Ｂ）に示すように、前記不透液性シート２０は、二つ折りにされてその間に縦方向に延びるゴムなどの弾性部材２２を伸長させた状態で挟み込み、前記弾性部材２２と共にシートの折畳み対面部が互いに接着されている。折られて２枚重ねとされた不透液性シート２０は、縦方向に延びる曲げ基準２１ｂを挟んで第１の面２１ａと第２の面２１ｂを有している。
【００６８】
前記第１の面２１ａは、図１において破線のハッチングで示す領域において生理用ナプキン１の肌側表面に接着されている。図１では第１の面２１ａの接着部分と非接着部分との境界線を中間境界線２２ａ、前方境界線２２ｂおよび後方境界線２２ｃで示している。これら境界線２２ａ，２２ｂ，２２ｃで囲まれた範囲（破線のハッチングが施されていない範囲）で、第１の面２１ａと肌側表面とが接着されていない。
【００６９】
また図２（Ｂ）に示すように、前方境界線２２ｂの前端２４ａと前縁部１ｃとの間では、第２の面２１ｃが第１の面２１ａの上に重ねられて第１の面２１ａと第２の面２１ｃが互いに接着されている。
【００７０】
また、後方境界線２２ｃの後端２４ｂと後縁部１ｄとの間においても、前記第２の面２１ｃが第１の面２１ａに重ねられて、第１の面２１ａと第２の面２１ｃが互いに接着されている。なお、前記前端２４ａと後端２４ｂとの間では、第２の面２１ｃは第１の面２１ａに接着されていない。
【００７１】
前記弾性部材２２は、少なくとも前端２４ａと後端２４ｂの範囲で設けられており、生理用ナプキン１に外力が与えられていない自由状態においては、前記不透液性シート２０の第２の面２１ｃに弾性収縮力が作用し、前端２４ａと後端２４ｂを互い接近させようとする弾性収縮力が作用している。よって前記前端２４ａと後端２４ｂとの間では、前記第１の面２１ａおよび第２の面２１ｂが、前記中間境界線２２ａから立ち上がって長さがＬ１の防漏壁２１が形成される。
【００７２】
本明細書では、前記前方境界線２２ｂの前端２４ａを防漏壁２１の前方での立ち上がり起点とし、後方境界線２２ｃの後端２４ｂを防漏壁２１の前方での立ち上がり起点とする。
この生理用ナプキン１では、防漏壁２１の前方の立ち上がり起点２４ａが、第２の圧着部１２の前端１２ａの近傍に位置し、すなわち前記立ち上がり起点２４ａが弾性復元部６の前端の近傍に位置している。前方の立ち上がり起点２４ａと前記第２の圧着部１２の前端１２ａとの最短の直線距離は、４５ｍｍ以下に設定され、好ましくは４０ｍｍ以下に設定されている。
【００７３】
同様に、防漏壁２１の後方の立ち上がり起点２４ｂは第２の圧着部１２の後端１２ｂの近傍に位置し、すなわち前記立ち上がり起点２４ｂは、弾性復元部６の後端部の近傍に位置している。前記立ち上がり起点２４ａと第２の圧着部１２の後端１２ｂとの最短の直線距離は４５ｍｍ以下に設定され、好ましくは３０ｍｍ以下に設定されている。
【００７４】
また、後方の立ち上がり起点２４ｂと後端１２ｂとの直線距離は、前方の立ち上がり起点２４ａと前端１２ａとの直線距離よりも短いことが好ましい。すなわち、生理用ナプキン１を装着した場合、臀部側に近い後方の立ち上がり起点２４ｂの方が自由に動きやすい。よってこの後方の立ち上がり起点２４ｂを弾性復元部６に接近させておくことにより、前記立ち上がり起点２４ｂの移動を抑制しやすくなる。
【００７５】
図１に示すように、この生理用ナプキン１には、前記右側縁部１ａおよび左側縁部１ｂから外方に突出するウイング部１８，１８が形成されている。このウイング部１８，１８は、裏面シート２と前記不透液性シート２０とが接着されて構成されている。
【００７６】
前記裏面シート２の外面には、生理用ナプキン１の中央部分を下着のクロッチ布に接着するための感圧接着剤層と、ウイング部１８，１８を下着のクロッチ布の外面に接着する感圧接着層とが設けられている。
【００７７】
図３は、前記生理用ナプキン１が下着のクロッチ布２５に装着された状態を示している。
【００７８】
この生理用ナプキン１は中央部分が、裏面シート２の外面に設けられた感圧接着剤を介してクロッチ布２５の内面に接着される。またウイング部１８，１８はクロッチ布２５の両側縁部を巻き込むようにして、クロッチ布２５の外面に向けて曲げられ、ウイング部１８，１８は感圧接着剤によりクロッチ布２５の外面に接着される。
【００７９】
この下着を着用すると、生理用ナプキン１が股間部に当てられて、股間部の表面に沿うように変形しようとするが、このとき第１の圧着部１１，１１と第２の圧着部１２，１２とが可撓軸として機能するため、図４の断面で見たときに生理用ナプキン１は肌側表面が窪むように変形しやすくなる。また縦方向においても、生理用ナプキン１の前縁部１ｃと後縁部１ｄとが接近するように窪み変形するため、弾性部材２２により縦方向への収縮力が与えられている防漏壁２１，２１は、肌側表面から立ち上がって、図４に示すように防漏壁２１，２１が股間部に当たるようになる。
【００８０】
また、側端部７，７にも、前記弾性部材２２から縦方向への収縮力が作用しているため、側端部７，７は、第２の圧着部１２，１２を可撓軸として図３においてＭ，Ｍで示す方向への曲がろうとする。したがって図４に示すように、端部７，７は、右側縁部１ａと左側縁部１ｂが身体に向かうようにやや斜めに立ち上がり、この斜めの側端部７，７と、この側縁部７，７から立ち上がる前記防漏壁２１，２１とで経血の横漏れを防止しやすくなる。
【００８１】
また、図４に示すように、側端部７，７が第２の圧着部１２，１２を起点として股間部５０に向けて立ち上がるため、側端部吸収層４Ｃ，４Ｃを有する前記側端部７，７によって防漏壁２１，２１が下から支えられるようになり、防漏壁２１，２１が股間部に確実に密着できるようになる。このとき、側端部７，７が防漏壁２１，２１の下側で且つ変形した生理用ナプキン１の厚さ方向の中間に位置し、その内側に凸状の弾性復元部６，６が位置しているため、防漏壁２１，２１は、側端部７，７に接することがあっても弾性復元部６，６には接し難くなる。よって股間部を伝わって防漏壁２１，２１に経血が付着することがあっても、この経血が弾性復元部６，６に触れるのを防止でき、弾性復元部６，６が湿潤状態になりにくく、弾性機能の低下を抑制できる。
【００８２】
また、生理用ナプキン１の前後では、横向き圧着部１３，１３の部分が可撓軸となって折られ、横向き圧着部１３よりも前方の前端部が恥丘に当たり、横向き圧着部１３よりも後方の後端部が臀部に当たるようになる。また前端部は前方延長圧着部１４，１４を可撓軸として恥丘にフィットするように変形し、後端部は後方延長圧着部１５，１５を可撓軸として臀部にフィットするように変形する。さらに、横向き圧着部１３よりも前方の前端部および横向き圧着部１３よりも方向の後端部では、それぞれが前後方向に対を成して延びる前記前方延長圧着部１４，１４と後方延長圧着部１５，１５が存在しているため、前端部および後端部での縒れや捩れに対する剛性を高くでき、前記前端部および後端部において生理用ナプキン１の平坦状態を保ちやすくなる。
【００８３】
生理用ナプキン１を着用した状態で、大腿部５１，５１の間隔が狭くなると、大腿部５１，５１から前記クロッチ布２５および生理用ナプキン１に対して横方向からの圧縮力Ｆ，Ｆが作用する。この圧縮力Ｆ，Ｆは、生理用ナプキン１の幅寸法を縮めるように作用し、さらに弾性復元部６，６に対して縦方向中心線Ｏｙ−Ｏｙへ向く力として作用する。
【００８４】
ここで、生理用ナプキン１は幅寸法が均一であるため、前記圧縮部Ｆ，Ｆは、特に横方向基準線Ｏｘ−Ｏｘの位置で、幅寸法が縮める力として強く作用する。ただし、前記第１の圧着部１１と第２の圧着部１２とで挟まれた弾性復元部６，６は湾曲線形状であり、図５に示すように、前記弾性復元部６，６は大腿部５１，５１の内側の曲面に倣うようにして位置し、弾性復元部６，６の全長にわたって、大腿部５１，５１の内面からの距離がほぼ均一である。そのため、前記圧縮力Ｆ，Ｆは、前記弾性復元部６，６の全長にわたって大きな力の差を生じることなく均一に作用する。
【００８５】
このように、圧縮力Ｆ，Ｆが、剛性を有する弾性復元部６，６の各部分で均一に与えられるため、弾性復元部６，６に挟まれた中央吸収部５に対し、横方向基準線Ｏｘ−Ｏｘの部分だけに圧縮力が集中して作用することはなく、圧縮力は中央吸収部５に対し長さ方向に向けて分散して作用する。そのため、中央吸収部５はその幅方向が均一に狭められ、一部のみが極端に縮められることがない。
【００８６】
また、密度が高く剛性の高い弾性復元部６，６が互いに接近することにより、その間に位置する中央吸収部５が身体に向けて押し上げられるように変形して、中央吸収部５が股間部５０に押し付けられ、中央吸収部５が膣口に密着するようになる。この状態で弾性復元部６，６が中央吸収部５を下から支えるように機能して、中央吸収部５と膣口との密着状態が維持される。
【００８７】
前記弾性復元部６，６の弾性復元層４Ｂ，４Ｂは、吸収層が圧縮されて密度が高くされたもので、横方向への弾性復元力を有している。そのため、大腿部５１，５１の間隔が広がったときには、前記弾性復元部６，６の弾性復元作用により、中央吸収部５が幅方向に広がるように復元しやすくなる。また、着用状態で生理用ナプキン１に捩れが生じている場合にも、弾性復元部６，６の弾性復元作用により捩れが復元されやすい。特に弾性復元部６，６は均一な幅寸法を有して大腿部５１，５１に倣うように湾曲しているため、大腿部５１，５１が広げられたときに、弾性復元部６，６に作用していた圧縮力Ｆ，Ｆが、弾性復元部６，６の各位置においてほぼ同時に且つ同等に緩和されることになり、中央吸収部５の各部分において幅寸法が均一に回復できるようになる。
【００８８】
なお、前記のように各弾性復元部６，６の各部分と大腿部との距離の差を小さくして、弾性復元部６，６に圧縮力Ｆ，Ｆがなるべく同等に与えられ、また圧縮力Ｆ，Ｆを解除したときに圧縮がなるべく均等に緩和されるためには、図の実施の形態のように、第１の圧着部１１と第２の圧着部１２および弾性復元部６，６が湾曲線に沿う形状であることが好ましい。ただし、同等の効果は、第１の圧着部１１と第２の圧着部１２および弾性復元部６，６が、横方向中心線Ｏｘ−Ｏｘの位置で最も接近し、この横方向中心線Ｏｘ−Ｏｘから前後に離れるにしたがって縦方向中心線Ｏｙ−Ｏｙから離れるパターン形状であれば発揮することができる。例えば両圧着部１１，１２と弾性復元部６，６が円弧軌跡、楕円軌跡、台形軌跡、Ｖ字パターンなどであってもよい。また第１の圧着部１１と第２の圧着部１２がジグザグ線や波線パターンであり、このパターンが、横方向中心線Ｏｘ−Ｏｘの位置で最も接近し、この横方向中心線Ｏｘ−Ｏｘから前後に離れるにしたがって縦方向中心線Ｏｙ−Ｏｙから離れるものであってもよい。
【００８９】
膣口から排泄された経血は、主に膣口に密着している中央吸収部５に与えられ、表面シート３を透過して中央部吸収層４Ａに吸収される。中央吸収部５はその周囲が、第１の圧着部１１，１１および横向き圧着部１３，１３で囲まれているため、前記圧着部において、経血が外方へ拡散するのを防止しやすくなり、経血は中央吸収部５内で拡散して吸収され、中央部吸収層４Ａの液吸収容量を充分に利用することができる。
【００９０】
前記中央部吸収層４Ａは、目付けが大きくまた密度が低いため、経血を吸収すると、圧縮に対する弾性復元力が低下する。一方、弾性復元部６，６内の弾性復元層４Ｂ，４Ｂは高密度に圧縮されたものであるため、内部に経血が入り込んでも弾性回復力を維持できる。したがって、経血が与えられた湿潤状態においても、大腿部５１，５１が広がる度に、中央吸収部５の幅寸法を回復させることができる。また弾性のある弾性復元部６，６により中央吸収部５が膣口に押し付けられているため、中央部吸収層４Ａに経血が与えられ圧縮回復性が低下しても、膣口との間に隙間が生じにくくなる。
【００９１】
また、図４に示すように、生理用ナプキン１が圧縮された状態で、中央吸収部５の両側に凸形状の弾性復元部６，６が存在し、その外側に側端部７，７が位置しているため、中央吸収部５の表面と側端部７，７の表面が直接に接触しにくくなっている。そのため、中央吸収部５に吸収された経血が側端部７，７に転移しにくくなり、経血の不用意な拡散を防止できる。また経血が中央吸収部５の表面に沿って横方向へ流れた場合でも、弾性復元部６，６でこれを受け止め且つせき止めることができ、側端部７，７方向へ流れるのを防止しやすい。
【００９２】
前記のように、左右両側に弾性復元部６，６が形成されているため、特に弾性復元部６，６が設けられている部分の近傍では、生理用ナプキン１に変形が生じても直ちに回復でき、これは経血を吸収した状態においても維持できる。前述のように、防漏壁２１の前方の立ち上がり起点２４ａと後方の立ち上がり起点２４ｂが、弾性復元部６，６の近傍に位置し、その直線距離が最大でも４５ｍｍ以下である。そのため身体に着用されている状態で、前記立ち上がり起点２４ａ，２４ｂが縦方向中心線Ｏｙ−Ｏｙに向けて変形しても、外力が除かれた状態で元の位置へ復帰しやすくなる。よって、防漏壁２１が不用意に捩れたりすることがなく、また立ち上がり起点２４ａ，２４ｂの位置を安定させていることにより、防漏壁２１，２１が中央吸収部５の表面を覆うように倒れ込むのを防止できる。その結果防漏壁２１，２１により経血の横洩れ防止効果を高くできる。
【００９３】
また第１の圧着部１１と第２の圧着部１２および弾性復元部６とが縦方向中心線Ｏｙ−Ｏｙに向けて凸湾曲形状であるため、第２の圧着部１２の前端１２ａと後端１２ｂは、前記立ち上がり起点２４ａ，２４ｂに接近しやすくなっており、よって、弾性復元部６，６によって、立ち上がり起点２４ａ，２４ｂの位置を安定させやすくなっている。
【００９４】
なお、図１に示す実施の形態では、前方の立ち上がり起点２４ａが第２の圧着部１２の前端１２ａよりも前方に位置しているが、前記立ち上がり起点２４ａが第２の圧着部１２と右側縁部１ａと間に位置していてもよいし、後方立ち上がり起点２４ｂが第２の圧着部１２と右側縁部１ａとの間に位置していてもよい。ただし、立ち上がり起点２４ａまたは２４ｂと前記第２の圧着部１２との最短の直線距離が４５ｍｍ以下であることが好ましく、この場合には２５ｍｍ以下であることがさらに好ましい。
【００９５】
以下各構成要素の好ましい数値を説明する。これ以降に説明する他の実施の形態においても、前記第１の実施の形態と同様の構成を有する部分は、以下の数値範囲とすることが好ましい。なお以下において吸収層の密度および目付けは、例えば吸収層を構成するパルプなどの繊維を包む親水紙などを除いた数値である。
【００９６】
中央部吸収層４Ａは、中央吸収部５において経血を充分に吸収できるように大きな液吸収容量を有し、また、身体への当たりが柔らかく、しかも身体からの圧力で圧縮されその圧力が除去されたときに厚みを回復できる弾性復元力を有していることが好ましい。
【００９７】
中央部吸収層４Ａは、密度が０．０５〜０．１５ｇ／ｃｍ^３の範囲が好ましい。また中央部吸収層４Ａの目付けは、５００〜１２００ｇ／ｍ^２が好ましく、さらに好ましくは、５００〜１０００ｇ／ｍ^２である。この範囲であれば充分な液吸収容量と、上下方向の圧迫に対する弾性復元力を実現できる。
【００９８】
前記中央吸収部５の横方向基準線Ｏｘ−Ｏｘ上での幅寸法Ｗ１は、１５〜５０ｍｍの範囲が好ましく、さらに２０〜４０ｍｍの範囲が好ましい。その第１の理由は女性の一般的な股間部の幅は３０ｍｍである。第２の理由は、Ｗ１が前記範囲であれば、例え側端部７，７および防漏壁２１，２１が縦方向中心線Ｏｙ−Ｏｙに向けて倒れてきたとしても、中央吸収部５の表面の露出面を確保でき、この表面で経血を受け止めることができる。
【００９９】
弾性復元部６に設けられる弾性復元層４Ｂは、中央部吸収層４Ａの密度および側端部吸収層４Ｃよりも密度が高く、また弾性復元部６の厚みがある程度大きくなるように形成される。すなわち、弾性復元部６では、それぞれ幅寸法Ｗ４が１．５〜３．５ｍｍの第１の圧着部１１と第２の圧着部１２との間で、目付けが３００〜８００ｇ／ｍ^２で好ましくは３５０〜６００ｇ／ｍ^２の吸収層が圧縮されて詰め込まれることで、その吸収層の密度が０．１〜０．２５ｇ／ｃｍ^３に高められる。そして、弾性復元部６は、幅寸法Ｗ２が３〜１０ｍｍで裏面シート２の外面から表面シート３の外面までの厚みが２〜６ｍｍとなるように凸状に形成される。
【０１００】
弾性復元部６，６をこのように形成することにより、中央吸収部５と側端部７，７との間に、腰が強く弾性復元力に富み、且つ湿潤時においても嵩と前記弾性復元力が衰えない弾性部分を形成することができる。
【０１０１】
後に説明するように、中央吸収部５および弾性復元部６，６において、表面シート３と裏面シート２との間に、親水性繊維の吸収層とともに合成繊維で形成された不織布などを介在させることがある。この場合、前記密度の好ましい範囲は、前記不織布を除いた吸収層の密度であり、また前記好ましい目付けは前記吸収層と不織布を含めたものを意味する。
【０１０２】
また弾性復元部６，６の縦方向の長さは、第２圧着部１２，１２の縦方向の長さによって決まる。前記弾性復元部６，６の縦方向の長さが短すぎると、中央吸収部５の幅寸法を回復させることができず、あまり長すぎると、生理用ナプキン全体の剛性が高くなって股間部に違和感を与える。弾性復元部６，６の縦方向の長さ（縦方向中心線Ｏｙ−Ｏｙと平行に計ったときの長さ）は４０ｍｍ以上で１００ｍｍ以下が好ましい。ただし、夜用や経血が多い日に使用される例えば図１０などに示されるロングタイプの生理用ナプキンの場合、弾性復元部６，６の縦方向の長さが前記１００ｍｍを超えることを妨げない。例えば生理用ナプキンの縦方向の長さが３８０ｍｍ程度の前記ロングタイプの場合、弾性復元部６，６の上限は１２０ｍｍ程度である。前記１００ｍｍを超え、またはロングタイプの場合に１２０ｍｍを超えると、生理用ナプキン１から身体に剛直感を与えやすくなることがありえる。
【０１０３】
側端部吸収層４Ｃの密度は、前記弾性復元層４Ｂよりも低く、中央部吸収層４Ａと同程度が好ましく、その範囲は０．０５〜０．１５ｇ／ｃｍ^３である。また目付けは、前記弾性復元層４Ｂよりも小さく、例えば３００〜４５０ｇ／ｍ^２程度が好ましい。また側端部吸収層４Ｃの幅寸法Ｗ３は１０〜３５ｍｍであることが好ましく、さらに好ましくは１０〜２０ｍｍである。さらに側端部吸収層４Ｃの目付けは、３００〜４５０ｇ／ｍ^２程度が好ましい。目付けの上限は前記範囲に限られるものではなく、生理用ナプキンの場合、目付けの上限が６００ｇ／ｍ^２になることがありえる。
【０１０４】
次に、第１の圧着部１１と第２の圧着部１２での前記圧着部１０の密度であるが、この圧着部１０の中で最も密度が高い部分、すなわち高密度圧着部１０ａでの密度が、中央部吸収層４Ａ、弾性復元層４Ｂおよび側端部吸収層４Ｃのそれぞれの密度よりも充分に高いことが好ましい。弾性復元部６，６が独立して弾性復元力を発揮できるようにするために、前記高密度圧着部１０ａの密度は０．３ｇ／ｃｍ^３以上必要であり、０．５〜１．５ｇ／ｃｍ^３の範囲であることが好ましい。また圧着部１０での中密度圧着部１０ｂの密度は、必ずしも前記範囲内でなくても、弾性復元機能を有する弾性復元部６，６を構成できる。しかし、弾性復元部６，６を高密度に保ち、且つ第１の圧着部１１，１１と第２の圧着部１２，１２とで折り曲げやすくするためには、中密度圧着部１０ｂの密度も前記範囲内であることが好ましい。
【０１０５】
次に、各構成素材の好ましい例を説明する。
表面シート３は、多数の液透過孔が形成された合成樹脂フィルム、またはネット状に形成された合成樹脂シート、化学繊維で形成されたエアースルー不織布が好ましく使用される。あるいは表面が液透過孔を有する前記合成樹脂フィルムでその下にエアースルー不織布が積層された複合材料も使用できる。この場合、合成樹脂フィルムが白色化剤である酸化チタンを含むポリエチレン樹脂で形成され、エアースルー不織布は、芯部が酸化チタンを含んだポリエチレンテレフタレート（ＰＥＴ）で、鞘部がポリエチレン（ＰＥ）の芯鞘型複合合成繊維が使用され、熱風によって前記芯鞘型複合合成繊維どうしを熱融着により接着させたものである。
【０１０６】
また、前記表面シート３は、スパンレース不織布、スパンボンド不織布などの他の不織布であってもよい。
【０１０７】
前記裏面シート２は、液不透過性で且つ通気性のシートであり、微細な通気孔が形成されたポリエチレン（ＰＥ）フィルム、あるいはポリプロピレン（ＰＰ）フィルムなどである。例えば、前記のプラスチックシートにＣａＣｏ_３、ＢａＳｏ_４等の無機フィラーを混合させて延伸処理することにより、フィルムに微細な通気孔が適切に分散して形成され、通気性を向上させたものであって、厚みが１５〜５０μｍ程度のものである。あるいは、不繊布に熱可塑性樹脂をラミネーションした材料であってもよい。
【０１０８】
前記第１の吸収層４ａ、第２の吸収層４ｂ、第３の吸収層４ｃは、粉砕パルプ、マーセル化パルプ、クロスリンクパルプなどのフラッフパルプの積層体で、前記各吸収層４ａ，４ｂ，４ｃが重ねられた状態で、その全体が親水紙で包まれたものが使用される。また、前記パルプにポリアクリル酸塩、ポリアクリルアミド、無水マレイン酸塩などの合成吸水ポリマーや、デンプン、セルロースなどの天然系の吸収ポリマーが含まれていてもよい。あるいはシート状の吸水ポリマーが含まれていてもよい。
【０１０９】
特に、前記弾性復元部６，６内に、前記吸水ポリマーまたはそのシートが含まれていると、経血を吸収した湿潤状態においてパルプ間の接合力が高められ、前記弾性復元部６，６の剛性を高めることができる。
【０１１０】
前記防漏壁２１を形成する液不透過性シート２０は、スパンボンド不織布、メルトブローン不織布、あるいはこれらの積層体であり、好ましくは撥水処理されたものが使用される。
【０１１１】
なお、裏面シート２、表面シート３、吸収層４および液不透過性シート２０は、前記圧着部１０以外の部分において、適宜接着剤を介して互いに接着されている。
【０１１２】
以下本発明の他の実施の形態を説明する。以下において、前記第１の実施の形態と同じ構成要素には同じ符号を付してその詳しい説明を省略する。
【０１１３】
図６は本発明の第２の実施の形態の生理用ナプキン１Ａを示す半断面図である。
【０１１４】
この実施の形態では、前記中央吸収部５から第１の圧着部１１，１１を越え弾性復元部の内部にかけて、吸収層４Ａ，４Ｂの上に合成繊維で形成された不織布８が重ねられている。この不織布は、例えばエアースルー不織布である。
【０１１５】
前記エアースルー不織布は、芯部がポリプロピレン（ＰＰ）で鞘部がポリエチレン（ＰＥ）の偏芯タイプの芯鞘型複合合成繊維（例えば繊度が４．４ｄｔｅｘ、繊維長が５０ｍｍ）を１３５℃の熱風で１分間熱処理することにより形成されたもので、前記繊維には親水性油剤が塗布されたものが使用される。密度は、前記中央部吸収層４Ａおよび表面シート３よりも低く、０．００５ｇ／ｃｍ^３以上で０．３ｇ／ｃｍ^３の範囲のものが使用される。前記エアースルー不織布の厚みは０．５ｍｍ〜２ｍｍであり、これを２枚または３枚重ねに折り畳んで使用される。
【０１１６】
中央吸収部５において、前記パルプなどの親水性繊維または親水性繊維と吸水ポリマーとの混合体で形成され且つ親水紙で包まれた中央部吸収層４Ａと、表面シート３との間に前記エアースルー不織布を介在させると、中央吸収部５において表面シート３に与えられた経血が表面シート３を透過し、さらに自重でエアースルー不織布の繊維間の空隙内を通過して、中央部吸収層４Ａに吸収されるようになる。よって繰り返し与えられる経血の吸収速度を速くでき、また表面シート３をドライ状態に保ちやすくなる。またエアースルー不織布は弾性復元性が高いため、図４および図５に示すように中央吸収部５の幅寸法が縮められたときに、中央吸収部５自らが幅方向への弾性復元力を発揮できるようになる。
【０１１７】
また、弾性復元部６，６においては、パルプ層、またはパルプと吸水ポリマーとが親水紙で包まれた弾性復元層４Ｂと共に前記エアースルー不織布が圧縮された状態で、裏面シート２と表面シート３との間に挟み込まれている。したがって、弾性復元部６，６の弾性復元機能をさらに高くできる。また、第１の圧着部１１にいてエアースルー不織布が一緒に加熱されて加圧されて、エアースルー不織布を構成する合成繊維が熱溶融しているため、第１の圧着部１１の圧着状態を維持でき、経血が触れたときでも第１の圧着部１１の圧着が回復するなどの問題を生じなくなる。したがって、弾性復元部６の内部を常に高密度に保てるようになる。
【０１１８】
なお、前記エアースルー不織布は、第２の圧着部１２に部分にも介在させることがさらに好ましい。
【０１１９】
なお、合成繊維で形成された不織布はエアースルー不織布に限られず、例えば弾性復元部６および第１の圧着部１１と第２の圧着部１２に、スパンボンド不織布、メルトブローン不織布などの他の不織布が設けられていてもよい。
【０１２０】
図７は本発明の第３の実施の形態の生理用ナプキン１Ｂを示す半断面図である。
【０１２１】
この生理用ナプキン１Ｂの全体の構造は図１に示すものと同じである。ただし、弾性復元部６，６内に、前記弾性復元層４Ｂ，４Ｂと共に補強部材２３が設けられている。この補強部材２３は、中央部吸収層４Ａおよび側端部吸収層４Ｃよりも密度が高く且つ剛性の高いものであり、例えば発泡ウレタン樹脂などの発泡樹脂材料、パルプと合成繊維とを熱融着させまたはバインダーで固着させたエアレイド不織布、さらには棒状または平板状の天然ゴムや剛性ゴムなどである。この補強部材２３を設けることにより、弾性復元部６の弾性復元力をさらに高めることができる。
【０１２２】
なお、前記補強部材２３として親水処理された発泡ウレタン樹脂を用い、この発泡ウレタン樹脂を、中央吸収部５内および第１の圧着部１１と第２の圧着部１２ならびに弾性復元部６，６の内部に連続して配置させてもよい。
【０１２３】
また、本発明では、弾性復元部６，６にパルプなどの吸収層を設けずに、前記補強部材２３のみを設けてもよい。
【０１２４】
図８（Ａ）は本発明の第４の実施の形態の生理用ナプキン１Ｃの平面図である。
【０１２５】
この生理用ナプキン１Ｃでは、図１に示す圧着部１０と同じパターン形状の圧着部１０Ｂが形成されている。この圧着部１０Ｂは、第１の圧着部１１Ｂ，１１Ｂ、第２の圧着部１２Ｂ，１２Ｂ、横向き圧着部１３Ｂ、前方延長圧着部１４Ｂ，１４Ｂおよび後方延長圧着部１５Ｂ，１５Ｂを有している。この圧着部１０Ｂでは、連続する圧搾溝ではなく、圧着ドットが前記パターンに沿って間隔を開けて間欠的に形成されている。
【０１２６】
この圧着部１０Ｂは、圧着ドットの部分で表面シート３と吸収層４とが、ドットエンボスパターンの凸部によって加圧され加熱されて高密度に形成されている。また、圧着ドットと圧着ドットとの間には、外部から加圧・加熱力が与えられていない。
【０１２７】
この生理用ナプキン１Ｃでは、圧着ドットの配列で形成された第１の圧着部１１Ｂ，１１Ｂと、第２の圧着部１２Ｂ，１２Ｂとの間で、裏面シート２と表面シート３との間に高密度の弾性復元部６Ｂ，６Ｂが形成されている。この弾性復元部６Ｂ，６Ｂは、圧着ドットで形成された前記圧着部１１Ｂと１２Ｂとによる拘束力が弱く、圧着部の形成工程のみでパルプなどの吸収層を高密度に圧縮するのには限界がある。よってこの実施の形態では、弾性復元部６Ｂ，６Ｂ内に含まれる弾性復元層４Ｂとして、パルプなどを予め圧縮成形したものを使用することが好ましく、また図７に示すような補強部材２３を用いることが好ましい。
【０１２８】
図８（Ａ）（Ｂ）に示すように、前記圧着ドットは円形であってもよいし、図８（Ｃ）に示すように圧着ドットが、縦方向に細長の点線形状であってもよい。また、図８（Ｂ）（Ｃ）に記載のように、第１の圧着部１１Ｂ，１１Ｂにおける前記圧着ドットと圧着ドットとの間の加圧・加熱されていない中間部と、第２の圧着部１２Ｂ，１２Ｂにおける圧着ドットと圧着ドットとの間の加圧・加熱されていない中間部とが、横方向（Ｘ方向）に重複しないように、第１の圧着部１１Ｂ，１１Ｂの圧着ドットと、第２の中間部１２Ｃ，１２Ｃの圧着ドットが互い違いに形成されていることが好ましい。
【０１２９】
圧着ドットを互い違いに配置することにより、中央吸収部５に与えられた経血が表面シート３や吸収層に沿って横方向に拡散したときに、圧着ドットが横方向への経血の移行に対して迷路のように機能し、経血が側端部７，７に移行するのを抑制する効果がある。
【０１３０】
また、第１の圧着部と、第２の圧着部の一方を、図１の圧着部１０のような圧搾溝とし、他方を図８（Ａ）（Ｂ）（Ｃ）に示すような圧着ドットで形成してもよい。例えば、第１の圧着部、横向き圧着部、前方延長圧着部および後方延長圧着部の全てを圧搾溝とし、第２の圧着部のみを前記圧着ドットで形成してもよいし、第２の圧着部を圧搾溝とし、第１の圧着部の全体あるいは、第１の圧着部のうちの前記第２の圧着部に対向する領域のみを前記圧着ドットで形成してもよい。これらの場合、横向き圧着部と前方延長圧着部および後方延長圧着部は、圧搾溝であってもよいし、圧着ドットであってもよい。
【０１３１】
ただし、縦方向中心線Ｏｙ−Ｏｙに近い第１の圧着部を圧搾溝とし、第２の圧着部を圧着ドットとするのが好ましい。このようにすると、中央吸収部５に与えられた経血が弾性復元部６，６に移行するのを抑制しやすい。
【０１３２】
前記のように、圧着部として圧着ドットが配列したものを用いると、圧着ドット間に介在することによって、非圧着部が縦方向へ向けて湾曲しやすくなり、生理用ナプキンの前端部が下腹部側に、後端部が臀部側にフィットするように湾曲変形しやすくなる。さらに、図８（Ｂ）（Ｃ）に示すように前記圧着ドットを互い違いに形成すると、圧着部が曲げ剛性を高めることがなく前記湾曲の効果を高めることができる。
【０１３３】
また、図８（Ｃ）に示すように点線形状の圧着ドットを形成する場合、線状の圧着ドットの長さは１０〜２０ｍｍ程度が好ましく、縦方向に隣接する線状の圧着ドットの間欠部分（非圧着部分）の縦方向の長さは５〜１０ｍｍ程度が好ましい。また、前記線状の圧着ドットを、前記高密度圧着部１０ａと中密度圧着部１０ｂとが交互に繰り返すものとして形成してもよい。また、図１などに示す圧着部のいずれかの部分が途切れているものであってもよい。
【０１３４】
次に、図９ないし図１３はさらに他の実施の形態を示している。前記第１ないし第４の実施の形態は、いずれも圧着部のパターン形状が同じであったが、図９ないし図１３に示す実施の形態は、圧着部のパターン形状が前記第１ないし第４の実施の形態と相違している。
【０１３５】
しかし、圧着部のパターン形状以外の構造に関して、図９ないし図１３に示す実施の形態は、前記第１ないし第４の実施の形態で示した各構造を選択して採用できることは勿論である。よって以下においては主に圧着部のパターン形状の相違のみを説明し、他の部分は前記各実施の形態と同じ符号を付してその詳しい説明を省略する。
【０１３６】
図９は本発明の第５の実施の形態を示す生理用ナプキン１Ｅの平面図である。図９に示す生理用ナプキン１Ｅの圧着部１０Ｅは、図１に示すような横向き圧着部１３，１３が設けられておらず、円弧曲線状の第１の圧着部１１Ｅ，１１Ｅの前後に前方延長圧着部１４Ｅ，１４Ｅと後方延長圧着部１５Ｅ，１５Ｅが連続している。前記第１の圧着部１１Ｅ，１１Ｅで囲まれた部分が中央吸収部５であるが、前記第２の圧着部１２Ｅ，１２Ｅは、前記中央吸収部５の外側に設けられている。
【０１３７】
第２の圧着部１２Ｅ，１２Ｅは、第１の圧着部１１Ｅ，１１Ｅと等距離を保って円弧状の湾曲線パターンで形成されている。
【０１３８】
この実施の形態でも、図４または図５に示す変形状態において、弾性復元部６，６による弾性復元機能を発揮できる。また経血が吸収層に与えられると、この経血が、第１の圧着部１１Ｅ，１１Ｅで挟まれた中央吸収部５から、さらに前方延長圧着部１４Ｅ，１４Ｅで挟まれた部分および後方延長圧着部１５Ｅ，１５Ｅで挟まれた部分に拡散できるため、多くの経血が与えられたときに生理用ナプキン１Ｅの縦方向の寸法を有効に利用できる。
【０１３９】
図１０は本発明の第６の実施の形態の生理用ナプキン１Ｆを示す平面図である。
【０１４０】
この生理用ナプキン１Ｆは、縦長であり後方部分において、右側縁部１ａと左側縁部１ｂとの横方向の幅寸法が大きく広がって、いわゆるヒップガード部が形成されているタイプである。
【０１４１】
この実施の形態では、前記第１の圧着部１１Ｆ，１１Ｆから後方に延長する第１の後方圧着部１５Ｆ，１５Ｆが、後縁部１ｄに向かうにしたがって、その対向間隔が徐々に狭くなるように形成されており、第１の後方圧着部１５Ｆと第１の後方圧着部１５Ｆは、後縁部１ｄの内側で曲線形状の連結圧着部１７Ｆにより連結されている。
【０１４２】
また、第１の後方圧着部１５Ｆ，１５Ｆの外側には、第２の後方圧着部１８Ｆ，１８Ｆが設けられており、この第２の後方圧着部１８Ｆ，１８Ｆは、後縁部１ｄの内側において曲線状の連結圧着部１９Ｆにより連結されている。この第２の広報圧着部１８Ｆ，１８Ｆも、その横方向の対向間隔が後縁部１ｄに向けて徐々に狭くなる部分を有している。
【０１４３】
この実施の形態では、第１の圧着部１１Ｆと第１の圧着部１１Ｆおよび横向き圧着部１３Ｆとで囲まれた領域が中央吸収部５Ｆであり、第１の後方圧着部１５Ｆと第１の中央後方圧着部１５Ｆおよび連結圧着部１７Ｆで囲まれた領域が後方中央吸収部５Ｇである。そして、中央吸収部５Ｆと後方中央吸収部５Ｇでは、その内部において表面シート３と裏面シート２との間に、嵩高な中央部吸収層４Ａが連続して設けられている。前記中央吸収部５Ｆと後方中央吸収部５Ｇにおいて、中央部吸収層４Ａの密度および目付けはほぼ均一となっている。
【０１４４】
また、第１の後方圧着部１５Ｆ，１５Ｆと第２の後方圧着部１８Ｆ，１８Ｆとの間は、後方弾性復元部６Ｆ，６Ｆとなっており、この後方弾性復元部６Ｆ，６Ｆ内において、表面シート３と裏面シート２との間に設けられている吸収層（弾性復元層）は、前記後方中央吸収部５Ｇ内の中央部吸収層４Ａの密度よりも高くなっている。後方弾性復元部６Ｆ，６Ｆ内の吸収層の密度は、前記弾性復元部６，６と同じあるか、あるいは弾性復元部６，６よりもわずかに小さく且つ中央部吸収層４Ａよりも大きくなるように設定されている。
【０１４５】
図１０に示すように、第１の後方圧着部１５Ｆ，１５Ｆと第１の圧着部１１Ｆ，１１Ｆとの境界部１１Ｇ，１１Ｇは、縦方向中心線Ｏｙ−Ｏｙから離れる方向へ向けて凸形状であり、中央部吸収層４Ａは、前記境界部１１Ｇ，１１Ｇで幅広部となっている。そして、第１の後方圧着部１５Ｆ，１５Ｆは、前記境界部１１Ｇ，１１Ｇから後縁部１ｄに向かうにしたがって横方向の対向間隔が徐々に狭くなるパターン形状であり、第１の圧着部１１Ｆ，１１Ｆも、前記境界部１１Ｇ，１１Ｇから前縁部１ｃに向けて対向間隔が徐々に狭くなるパターン形状である。
【０１４６】
また、生理用ナプキン１Ｆの肌側表面の左右両側には不透液性シート２０，２０および、この不透液性シート２０で形成された防漏壁２１，２１が設けられている。この防漏壁２１，２１の構造は図１に示したものと同じであり、その寸法のみが相違している。すなわち、不透液性シート２０の接着部分と非接着部分との境界として中間境界線２２ａ、前方境界線２２ｂおよび後方境界線２２ｃが設けられており、符号２４ａが防漏壁２１の前方の立ち上がり起点であり、符号２４ｂが防漏壁２１の後方の立ち上がり起点である。
【０１４７】
この実施の形態においても、前方の立ち上がり起点２４ａは弾性復元部６の前端の近傍に位置しており、第２の圧着部１２Ｆの前端１２ａと立ち上がり起点２４ａとの最短の直線距離が４５ｍｍ以下となっており、好ましくは４０ｍｍ以下、さらに好ましくは２５ｍｍ以下となっている。
【０１４８】
同様に、後方の立ち上がり起点２４ｂは後方弾性復元部６Ｆの前端の近傍に位置しており、前記立ち上がり起点２４ａと第２の後方圧着部１８Ｆの前端１８Ｇとの距離は４５ｍｍ以下となっている。ただし、図１０に示すように第１の後方圧着部１５Ｆおよび第２の後方圧着部１８Ｆを有し、且つヒップガード部を有する縦長で就寝時に使用するのに適した生理用ナプキン１Ｆの場合、臀部付近に当たるヒップガード部に捻りや縒れを生じやすい。したがって防漏壁２１の後方の立ち上がり起点２４ｂと、第２の後方圧着部１８Ｆの前端１８Ｇとの最短の直線距離は２０ｍｍ以下であることが好ましい。
【０１４９】
この生理用ナプキン１Ｆは縦長であるため、下着のクロッチ布２５の内側に装着して着用すると、横方向基準線Ｏｘ−Ｏｘの部分が膣口の前後方向のほぼ中心に一致する。そして横方向基準線Ｏｘ−Ｏｘの付近に大腿部から圧縮力Ｆ，Ｆが与えられると、その部分では、弾性復元部６，６の弾性回復力により、図４または図５に示す変形からの横方向へ広がるように回復できるようになる。
【０１５０】
また、生理用ナプキン１Ｆの後方部分は臀部に当てられ、後方中央吸収部５Ｇは、臀部の溝に当てられる。この後方中央吸収部５Ｇの両側にも後方弾性復元部６Ｆ，６Ｆが位置しているため、たとえば、着用者の姿勢（体勢）の変化によって生じる身体や下着からの過剰な圧力が生理用ナプキン１Ｆに加わったとしても後方部が変形しにくく、また変形したとしても回復しやすいので、後方中央吸収部５Ｇを身体に密着した状態に維持しやすい。
【０１５１】
また、防漏壁２１の前方の立ち上がり起点２４ａが弾性復元部６の近傍に位置し、後方の立ち上がり起点２４ｂが後方弾性復元部６Ｆの近傍に位置するため、着用中に立ち上がり起点２４ａ，２４ｂの位置が安定し、防漏壁２１が捩れたり、中央吸収部５Ｆおよび後方中央吸収部５Ｇに向けて倒れることが起きにくい。
【０１５２】
また、生理用ショーツとして、クロッチ布から後身頃に向けて臀部の溝に沿う弾性部材が設けられているものを着用した場合に、後方中央吸収部５Ｇは前記弾性部材の力で臀部の溝内に向けて押し込まれる。このとき、後方中央吸収部５Ｇの両側には、第１の後方圧着部１５Ｆ，１５Ｆおよび第２の後方圧着部１８Ｆ，１８Ｆが位置し、それぞれが可撓軸として機能するため、下着から受ける押し込み力により、前記後方中央吸収部５Ｇが臀部に密着されやすくなる。
【０１５３】
図１１は本発明の第７の実施の形態の生理用ナプキン１Ｇを示す平面図である。
【０１５４】
図１１に示す生理用ナプキン１Ｇは、後方にヒップガード部を有しているが、図１０に示す生理用ナプキン１Ｆよりも縦方向の寸法がやや短い。
【０１５５】
そして圧着部１０Ｇのパターン形状は、第２の圧着部１２Ｆ，１２Ｆと第２の後方圧着部１８Ｆ，１８Ｆとが連続している点を除いて、図１０に示すものと同じである。この生理用ナプキン１Ｇも、中央吸収部５の両側に弾性復元部６，６が位置しているため、外部の変形に対して復元力を発揮できるようになる。
【０１５６】
また防漏壁２１の前方の立ち上がり起点２４ａと第２の圧着部１２Ｆの前端１２ａとの直線距離が４５ｍｍ以下であり、好ましくは４０ｍｍ以下、さらに好ましくは２５ｍｍ以下となっている。また後方の立ち上がり起点２４ｂと第２の後方圧着部１８Ｆとの最短の直線距離も、４５ｍｍ以下、好ましくは２５ｍｍ以下となっている。ただし、図１１に示すように立ち上がり起点２４ｂが第２の後方圧着部１８Ｆと右側縁部１ａとの間に位置する実施の形態では、前記直線距離をかなり短くでき、１５ｍｍ以下とすることも可能である。
【０１５７】
よって各立ち上がり起点２４ａ，２４ｂ、特に後方の立ち上がり起点２４ｂが後方弾性復元部６Ｆによってしっかり補強されるようになり、防漏壁２１の捩れや倒れが生じ難くなっている。
【０１５８】
図１２は本発明の第８の実施の形態の生理用ナプキン１Ｈを示す平面図である。
【０１５９】
この生理用ナプキン１Ｈの全体構造は、図１に示した生理用ナプキン１のウイング部１８を除いたものと同じである。
【０１６０】
図１２の生理用ナプキン１Ｈの圧着部１０Ｈは、円弧曲線状の第１の圧着部１１Ｈ，１１Ｈと、その外側に位置する同じく円弧曲線状の第２の圧着部１２Ｈ，１２Ｈを有しており、第１の圧着部１１Ｈ，１１Ｈと第２の圧着部１２Ｈ，１２Ｈとが等距離を保って形成されている。第１の圧着部１１Ｈと第１の圧着部１１Ｈとで挟まれた部分が中央吸収部５Ｈであり、第１の圧着部１１Ｈ，１１Ｈと第２の圧着部１２Ｈ，１２Ｈとで挟まれた部分が弾性復元部６Ｈ，６Ｈである。
【０１６１】
前方と後方に位置する横向き圧着部１３Ｈ，１３Ｈは、第２の圧着部１２Ｈと第２の圧着部１２Ｈとを繋いでいる。したがって、第１の圧着部１１Ｈ，１１Ｈおよび弾性復元部６Ｈ，６Ｈが、第２の圧着部１２Ｈ，１２Ｈと、横向き圧着部１３Ｈ，１３Ｈとで囲まれた領域内に位置している。
【０１６２】
また、前方延長圧着部１４Ｈ，１４Ｈと後方延長圧着部１５Ｈ，１５Ｈは、第２の圧着部１２Ｈ，１２Ｈと連続して形成されている。
【０１６３】
この生理用ナプキン１Ｈでも、前記弾性復元部６Ｈ，６Ｈにより横方向への弾性復元力を発揮できる。
【０１６４】
この実施の形態では、第２の圧着部１２Ｈ，１２Ｈと横向き圧着部１３Ｈ，１３Ｈにより囲まれている領域の面積が、中央吸収部５Ｈよりも広いため、前記囲まれた領域での液吸収容量を大きくできる。また、第１の圧着部１１Ｈ，１１Ｈと第２の圧着部１２Ｈ，１２Ｈとの間の弾性復元部６Ｈ，６Ｈに経血が与えられても、この経血は、前記の囲まれた領域内のみで拡散するようになり、その拡散領域を限定でき、生理用ナプキン１Ｈからの経血の洩れを防止しやすくなる。
【０１６５】
図１３は本発明の第９の実施の形態の生理用ナプキン１Ｊを示す平面図である。
【０１６６】
この生理用ナプキン１Ｊは、図９に示した生理用ナプキン１Ｅにおいて、圧着部１０Ｊのパターンを変形させたものである。この実施の形態では、第２の圧着部１２Ｊ，１２Ｊの前後に前方延長圧着部１４Ｊ，１４Ｊと後方延長圧着部１５Ｊ，１５Ｊが連続している。そして、第１の圧着部１１Ｊと第１の圧着部１１Ｊは、前記の連続した領域の内側に位置しており、第１の圧着部１１Ｊと第１の圧着部１１Ｊとで挟まれた部分が中央吸収部５Ｊとなっている。
【０１６７】
この実施の形態でも、弾性復元部６Ｊ，６Ｊの作用により横方向への圧縮回復力を発揮できる。また中央吸収部５Ｊの外側が、縦方向の長い範囲において第２の圧着部１２Ｊ，１２Ｊ、前方延長圧着部１４Ｊ，１４Ｊおよび後方延長圧着部１５Ｊ，１５Ｊで挟まれているため、弾性復元部６Ｊ，６Ｊに付着した経血を生理用ナプキン１Ｊの縦方向へ拡散させることができ、横漏れの防止効果を高くできる。
【０１６８】
次に前記生理用ナプキンの製造方法を説明する。
以下では、図１および図２に示す生理用ナプキン１の製造方法として説明するが、前記それぞれの実施の形態の生理用ナプキンも、圧着部のパターンを変更したり、あるいは第１の圧着部１１と第２の圧着部１２との間に介在させる素材を変更することで、同様にして製造できる。
【０１６９】
前記生理用ナプキン１の製造方法は、まず吸収層４と表面シート３とを重ね、必要に応じて両部材を接着する。次に、エンボスパターンを有する加圧部材を用いて、表面シート３側から加圧して、前記圧着部１０を形成する。その後に、表面シート３を重ねて接合する。ただし、吸収層４のみをエンボスパターンで加圧して、これを裏面シート２と表面シート３との間に挟んでもよい。また前記エンボスパターンによる加圧を吸収層４の外面側から（着衣側表面から）行ってもよいし、あるいはエンボスパターンで両側から加圧してもよい。ただし、以下では吸収層４と表面シート３とを重ねたものを、表面シート３の表面からエンボスパターンで加圧する場合について説明する。
【０１７０】
図１４（Ａ）は、加圧部材１００を加圧面側から示す部分平面図、図１４（Ｂ）は、図１４（Ａ）のＢ−Ｂ線での断面図である。
【０１７１】
この加圧部材１００には、図１に示す圧着部１０のパターンを転写できる形状のエンボス凸部１１０が形成されているが、図１４では、図１の横方向基準線Ｏｘ−Ｏｘ付近での第１の圧着部１１と第２の圧着部１２を形成するエンボス凸部１１０の一部のみを示している。
【０１７２】
図１４に示すエンボス凸部１１０の左側には、生理用ナプキン１の中央吸収部５に対向する第１の底部１１５が形成され、右側には、側端部７に対向する第２の底部１１７が形成されている。エンボス凸部１１０の頂点からの前記第１の低部１１５までの深さをＤ２で示し、前記頂点から第２の低部１１７までの深さをＤ３で示している。前記深さＤ２とＤ３は同じであってもよいし、厚みのある中央部吸収部５に対向する第１の底部１１５の方が深くてもよい。
【０１７３】
図１４では、第１の圧着部１１を形成するための第１の凸部１１１と、第２の圧着部１２を形成するための第２の凸部１１２が示されている。図１４（Ｂ）に示すように、前記第１の凸部１１１と第２の凸部１１２との間には、第１の圧着部１１と第２の圧着部１２との間の吸収層を圧縮するための凹部１１６が形成されている。この実施の形態では、この凹部１１６により弾性復元部６が形成される。前記頂点から凹部１１６の底部までの深さＤ１は、前記深さＤ２およびＤ３よりも充分に浅くなっている。
【０１７４】
前記第１の凸部１１１の先部には、加圧部１１１ａが設けられ、その両側には前記頂点から徐々に離れる傾斜面１１１ｂ，１１１ｂが形成されている。同様に、第２の凸部１１２の先部にも、加圧部１１１ｂが設けられ、同様にして傾斜面１１２ｂ，１１２ｂが形成されている。なお、前記傾斜面１１１ｂと１１２ｂは、凹部１１６の底面まで続くような急斜面であってもよい。
【０１７５】
そして、前記加圧部１１１ａと加圧部１１１ｂの表面では、前記高密度圧着部１０ａを形成するための加圧表面１１０ａと、中密度圧着部１０ｂを形成するための浅溝１１０ｂとが交互に形成されている。前記加圧表面１１０ａおよび浅溝１１０ｂのパターン形状は、高密度圧着部１０ａおよび中密度圧着部１０ｂのパターン形状と同じである。
【０１７６】
また、図１において、第２の圧着部１２が対向していない部分での第１の圧着部１１、横向き圧着部１３，１３、前方延長圧着部１４，１４および後方延長圧着部１５，１５を形成するための凸部は、図１４に示すように第１の凸部１１１と第２の凸部１１２とが並んでいるのではなく、第１の凸部１１１のみが、第１の底部１１５および第２の底部１１７から立ち上がっている形状である。
【０１７７】
吸収層４と表面シート３とを積層し、必要に応じて両部材を接着した後に、吸収層４の外面がフラット面の他の加圧部材を当て、表面シート３の表面から図１４に示す加圧部材１００を当て、両加圧部材で吸収層４と表面シート３を加圧する。また必要に応じて前記加圧部材を加熱して加圧する。その結果、前記積層体に図１に示すような圧着部１０が転写され、この圧着部１０パターンに沿った圧搾溝が形成される。
【０１７８】
このとき深さＤ１の凹部１１６により吸収層４が加圧されるため、吸収層が高密度に圧縮された状態で、第１の圧着部１１と第２の圧着部１２および裏面シート２と表面シート３との間に詰め込まれるようになる。すなわち吸収層は前記凹部１１６で加圧されて高密度に圧縮されながら、第１の圧着部１１と第２の圧着部１２とに挟み込まれ、このとき第１の圧着部１１と第２の圧着部１２との間では、表面シート３が緩むことなく、この表面シート３で高密度の吸収層が封じ込められるようになる。
【０１７９】
一方、第１の底部１１５は、中央吸収部５を実質的に加圧せず、また加圧してもその圧力がわずかであり、これは第２の底部１１７と側端部７との関係においても同様である。このようにして、第１の圧着部１１と第２の圧着部１２との間には、高密度に圧縮されて封じ込まれた吸収層を形成でき、その密度は中央部吸収層５および側端部７よりも充分に高いものとなる。
【０１８０】
前記各実施の形態では、この吸収層が弾性復元層４Ｂとなる。また圧着部１１と圧着部１２との間に、高密度に圧縮された吸収層を形成することにより、前記弾性復元層４Ｂとしてではなく、図４に示す生理用ナプキン１の変形状態において、中央吸収部５を下から支えるようにして膣口に密着させる支持部としても機能させることができる。
【０１８１】
なお、前記加圧部材１００および表面がフラット面の加圧部材は、互いに対向するロールの表面構造として構成でき、あるいは平坦な加圧部材としても構成できる。前述のように前記凹部１１６を設けることにより、図８に示すような圧着部ドットの第１の圧着部１１Ｂと第２の圧着部１２Ｂの間に挟まれた吸収層を高密度にすることも可能である。
【０１８２】
【発明の効果】
以上のように本発明では、股間部に装着されて横方向からの圧縮力を受けた状態で、前記圧縮力が緩和されたときに、中央吸収部を幅方向へ復元させる能力が高くなり、また捩れなどの変形状態も回復しやすくなる。よって、常に身体の排泄部に密着しやすくなり、排泄液の横洩れを防止しやすくなる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の吸収性物品の第１の実施の形態の生理用ナプキンを示す平面図、
【図２】（Ａ）は、図１に示す生理用ナプキンをＩＩａ−ＩＩａ線で切断した半断面図、（Ｂ）は、図１に示す生理用ナプキンをＩＩｂ−ＩＩｂ線で切断した半断面図、
【図３】図１に示す生理用ナプキンが下着のクロッチ布に装着された状態を示す断面図、
【図４】生理用ナプキンと下着のクロッチ布に横方向からの圧縮力が作用したときの変形状態を模式的に示す断面図、
【図５】生理用ナプキンと下着のクロッチ布に横方向からの圧縮力が作用したときの変形状態を模式的に示す平面図、
【図６】本発明の第２の実施の形態の生理用ナプキンを示す平面図、
【図７】本発明の第３の実施の形態の生理用ナプキンを示す半断面図、
【図８】（Ａ）は本発明の第４の実施の形態の生理用ナプキンを示す平面図、（Ｂ）（Ｃ）は圧着ドットの形状を示す拡大平面図、
【図９】本発明の第５の実施の形態の生理用ナプキンを示す平面図、
【図１０】本発明の第６の実施の形態の生理用ナプキンを示す平面図、
【図１１】本発明の第７の実施の形態の生理用ナプキンを示す平面図、
【図１２】本発明の第８の実施の形態の生理用ナプキンを示す平面図、
【図１３】本発明の第９の実施の形態の生理用ナプキンを示す平面図、
【図１４】圧着部を形成するための加圧部材を示すものであり、（Ａ）は部分平面図、（Ｂ）はＢ−Ｂ線の断面図、
【図１５】従来の生理用ナプキンが股間部に装着されたときの問題点を示す断面図、
【符号の説明】
１、１Ａ、１Ｂ、１Ｃ、１Ｅ、１Ｆ、１Ｇ、１Ｈ、１Ｊ生理用ナプキン
１ａ右側縁部
１ｂ左側縁部
１ｃ前縁部
１ｄ後縁部
２裏面シート
３表面シート
４ａ第１の吸収層
４ｂ第２の吸収層
４ｃ第３の吸収層
４Ａ中央部吸収層
４Ｂ弾性復元層
４Ｃ側端部吸収層
５、５Ａ、５Ｆ、５Ｈ、５Ｊ中央吸収部
５Ｇ後方中央吸収部
６、６Ａ、６Ｃ、６Ｄ、６Ｈ、６Ｊ弾性復元部
６Ｆ後方弾性復元部
７側端部
１１、１１Ｂ、１１Ｅ、１１Ｆ、１１Ｈ、１１Ｊ第１の圧着部
１２、１２Ｂ、１２Ｅ、１２Ｆ、１２Ｈ、１２Ｊ第２の圧着部
１３、１３Ａ、１３Ｆ、１３Ｈ横向き圧着部
１５Ｆ第１の後方圧着部
１８Ｆ第２の後方圧着部
１８Ｇ第２の後方圧着部の先端
２１防漏壁
２４ａ，２４ｂ防漏壁の立ち上がり起点
２５、２５Ａ下着のクロッチ布[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an absorbent article suitable for absorption of menstrual blood excreted from female genitals, and in particular, an absorbent article having an elastic restoring part for restoring compression deformation and wrinkle at the time of wearing, and its manufacture Regarding the method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The general structure of an absorbent article that absorbs menstrual blood excreted from female genitals includes an absorbent layer, a liquid-permeable surface sheet that covers the skin-side surface of the absorbent layer, and a clothing-side surface of the absorbent layer. The liquid-impermeable back surface sheet is covered, and is usually worn in a state where the back surface sheet is bonded to the inner surface of the crotch cloth of the underwear via a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.
[0003]
In order to reliably supplement the excretion liquid from the excretion part in the absorbent article, it is desired that the skin-side surface is in close contact with the excretion part of the body. When a gap is generated between the skin-side surface of the absorbent article and the excretory part when the absorbent article is worn on the crotch part, excretion fluid given to the top sheet flows along the top sheet. Further, leakage from the side of the absorbent article or leakage toward the buttock portion is liable to occur, and there is a possibility that the underwear or other clothing is soiled.
[0004]
Therefore, as a conventional absorbent article, as described in the following Patent Literature 1 to Patent Literature 3, a concave groove is formed on the skin side surface, and a portion sandwiched between the concave grooves is raised to excrete the body. There are things that make it easier to adhere to.
[0005]
The absorbent article described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a raised portion having a thickened absorbent body at the center portion, and a pair of curved surface grooves are formed on the left and right sides of the raised portion. By making the front groove serve as a flexible shaft to make it easier to break the absorber, the raised portion is deformed into a convex arch shape convex toward the wearer.
[0006]
The absorbent article described in Patent Document 2 is provided with a long projecting portion surrounded by a concave portion on the skin contact surface. The projecting part is raised to make it easy to adhere to the body excretion part, and the liquid is damped by a concave part surrounding the projecting part to prevent diffusion to the surroundings.
[0007]
The absorbent article described in Patent Document 3 is provided with an arc-shaped bent portion from the longitudinal edge toward the inside on the surface of the region where the absorbent body of the substantially vertically long absorbent article exists. In addition, a leak-proof wall forming region is formed in a portion surrounded by the bent portion. The leak-proof wall forming region rises toward the crotch when worn, thereby preventing side leakage of excretory fluid.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 10-328232 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-11-33054
[Patent Document 3]
JP-A-8-322875
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the absorbent article described in Patent Literature 1 to Patent Literature 3 is worn on the body.
[0010]
In FIG. 15, the crotch part 50 and the thigh part 51 of the body, the crotch cloth 25 of the underwear attached to the crotch part 50 are shown, and a conventional absorbent article is indicated by reference numeral 60. The absorbent article 60 is bonded and fixed to the inner surface of the crotch cloth 25. In the conventional examples described in the patent documents, a pair of concave grooves 61 and 61 are formed on the skin side surface of the absorbent article 60, and the central portion 62 sandwiched between the concave grooves 61 and 61 is defined as the crotch portion 50. It is trying to make it adhere to the excretion part.
[0011]
As shown in FIG. 15, when the absorbent article 60 is worn on the crotch cloth 25 and worn, the lateral compression force F from the thighs 51, 51 against the crotch cloth 25 and the absorbent article 60 during walking or the like. , F are often given. The left and right concave grooves 61 and 61 try to approach each other by this compressive force, and the compressive force from the left and right acts on the central portion 62 sandwiched between the concave grooves 61 and 61.
[0012]
However, in the conventional absorbent article 60, when receiving a compressive force from the lateral direction, the elastic recovery force relies mainly on the restoring force of the absorbent layer provided in the central portion 62. However, the absorbent layer provided in the central part 62 has a large basis weight and a low density because it needs to soften the contact with the crotch part 50 and increase the liquid absorption capacity. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the elastic recovery force in the lateral direction is weak when compressively deformed, and the width dimension cannot be recovered while being compressed and deformed. In many cases, the drowning state cannot be restored.
[0013]
In particular, the absorption layer having a large weight and a low density as described above reduces the elastic restoring force when absorbing excretory fluid such as menstrual blood. Therefore, when the central portion 62 is crushed by receiving pressure from the crotch portion 50, the bulk is low. Cannot be recovered, and the restoring force in the width direction is extremely reduced when the width dimension contracts due to the compressive forces F and F. Therefore, even when the interval between the thighs 51, 51 is widened, the absorbent article remains contracted or drowned in the width direction, and the skin-side surface area of the absorbent article 60 decreases. Furthermore, a gap is easily formed between the crotch portion 50 and side leakage is likely to occur.
[0014]
In addition, since the conventional examples described in each of the above patent documents have a structure in which only one groove is provided on each of the right and left grooves, when deformed as shown in FIG. The parts 63 and 63 and the central part 62 are easy to contact. As a result, the excretion fluid given to the central portion 62 moves to the side end portions 63 and 63, and the excretion fluid diffuses in the width direction of the absorbent article 60. In other words, the diffusing effect of the excretory fluid cannot be achieved by the concave grooves 61, 61, and the side leakage of the excretory fluid tends to occur.
[0015]
In addition, in order to prevent the excretory fluid given to the absorbent article from leaking in the lateral direction, a leak-proof wall extending in the longitudinal direction with a gap in the lateral direction is provided on the skin side surface of the absorbent article. There is. This leak-proof wall is provided with an elastic member that exerts an elastic contraction force in the longitudinal direction on a liquid-impermeable sheet, and the sheet rises from the skin side starting point by the elastic contraction force. .
[0016]
However, when the conventional absorbent article receives the compressive force F, F or the like while it is worn on the body and further absorbs excreted liquid, the shape-holding ability of the absorbent article is reduced. And drowning easily. In such a case, the rising start points at the front and rear of the leak-proof wall move toward the longitudinal center line as the product is deformed, or easily move in the front-rear direction due to twisting of the absorbent article. . Therefore, there is a possibility that the rising state of the leak-proof wall becomes unstable, the leak-proof wall is twisted, or the leak-proof wall falls down toward the vertical center line, thereby reducing the liquid absorption area on the skin side surface. There is.
[0017]
Moreover, when the said leak-proof wall is provided in a vertically long absorbent article like the said patent document 1 or patent document 2, since the dimension of the vertical direction of a leak-proof wall becomes long, a leak-proof wall is unstable. become. When this type of vertically long absorbent article is worn, the leak-proof wall moves unexpectedly with respect to the movement of the body, and as a result, the leak-proof wall is more likely to twist or fall.
[0018]
The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and provides an absorbent article that is easy to prevent leakage of excretory fluid by increasing the elastic recovery force when subjected to a compressive force such as from the lateral direction, and a method for manufacturing the same. The purpose is to do.
[0019]
Another object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that can stabilize the standing posture of the leak-proof wall when the skin-side surface is provided with the leak-proof wall.
[0020]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention, in an absorbent article having a liquid-permeable surface sheet located on the skin side surface, a back sheet located on the clothing side surface, and an absorbent layer located between the top sheet and the back sheet,
At a position distant from the center line extending in the vertical direction on both the left and right sides, at least a first pressure-bonding portion that press-bonds the topsheet and the absorbent layer and a space outside the first pressure-bonding portion. Sky The second crimping part is formed to extend in the vertical direction, and a central absorbent part having the absorbent layer is formed between the first crimping part on the right side and the first crimping part on the left side,
When the central absorbent portion is contracted laterally by an external force between each of the first crimp portion and the second crimp portion, a restoring force from the contraction is exerted on the central absorbent portion. The elastic restoring part to act is formed And the elastic restoring part has a higher density layer than the absorbing layer. It is characterized by being.
[0021]
In this absorbent article, since the elastic restoring part is provided between the first crimping part and the second crimping part, the restoring action of the elastic restoring part when receiving a compressive force from the lateral direction. Therefore, the width dimension of the absorbent article can be easily recovered, and the wrinkles can be easily recovered. In particular, when the central absorption part sandwiched between the first pressure-bonding part and the first pressure-bonding part absorbs excretion liquid, the first pressure-bonding part blocks the excretion liquid and makes the elastic restoring part difficult to wet. ing. Therefore, even if the central absorption part absorbs the excretory fluid and its elastic restoring force is reduced, the elastic restoring parts on both sides can always exhibit the elastic restoring force, the width dimension is easily returned, and the dripping is also easily restored.
[0023]
In addition, it is preferable that the width dimension of the said elastic restoring part is less than half of the width dimension of the said center absorption part, Furthermore, it is 1/3 or less.
[0024]
When the width dimension of the elastic restoring portion is reduced, an elongated and high-density layer can be formed in the elastic restoring portion sandwiched between the first and second crimping portions, and the elastic restoring force is easily exhibited. Further, by reducing the elastic restoring force, it becomes difficult for the elastic restoring force to give the skin an uncomfortable feeling.
[0025]
In the present invention, for example, the elastic restoring portion can be configured by compressing and sandwiching the absorbent layer between the first pressure-bonding portion, the second pressure-bonding portion, and the topsheet and the backsheet.
[0026]
Alternatively, in the elastic restoring portion, the absorbent layer formed of hydrophilic fibers and the nonwoven fabric formed of synthetic fibers are combined between the first pressure-bonding portion and the second pressure-bonding portion and the topsheet and the backsheet. It can be configured as being sandwiched by being compressed.
[0027]
In this case, it is preferable that the absorption layer and the non-woven fabric are pressure-bonded together at the first pressure-bonding portion. Moreover, the said nonwoven fabric is an air through nonwoven fabric, for example.
[0028]
As described above, the elastic restoring force can be further increased by sandwiching not only the absorbent layer mainly composed of hydrophilic fibers such as pulp but also the nonwoven fabric formed of synthetic fibers in the elastic restoring portion. In particular, the elastic restoring force is difficult to decrease even when excretory fluid is given to the elastic restoring portion by including the synthetic fiber. Moreover, since the synthetic fiber can be made into a molten state by including the synthetic fiber in the first pressure bonding part, the pressure bonding state of the first pressure bonding part can be maintained even when excretory liquid is included.
[0029]
In the present invention, the elastic restoring portion may be provided with a reinforcing member that exhibits an elastic force together with the compressed absorption layer, or may be provided with only the reinforcing member.
[0030]
The reinforcing member is a foamed urethane resin, a foamed urethane resin subjected to hydrophilic treatment, or a synthetic rubber.
[0031]
Further, each of the elastic restoring portions has the narrowest facing distance at the position of the horizontal reference line, and gradually moves away from the center line as it moves away from the horizontal reference line to both sides in the vertical direction. Preferably, for example, the elastic restoring portion has a curved line shape in which a convex side is directed to the center line.
[0032]
Furthermore, it is preferable that the elastic restoring portion has a portion where the first crimping portion and the second crimping portion are equidistant and the width dimension is constant.
[0033]
In this configuration, the force from the thigh can be received almost uniformly at each part of the elastic restoring force. In addition, the elastic restoring force does not give the thigh an uncomfortable feeling.
[0034]
Further, according to the present invention, the absorbent article has both side edges extending in the longitudinal direction, and a side end is formed between each second crimping part and the side edge, and this side end. It can be configured that the elastic contraction force in the vertical direction is acting on.
[0035]
In this case, when worn on the crotch portion, the side end portion rises toward the skin side due to the elastic contraction force, and the side end portion functions as a leak-proof portion that prevents side leakage. At this time, since the first crimping part, the second crimping part, and the elastic restoring part are provided between the central absorbent part and the side end part, the central absorbent part and the side end part are in contact with each other. It becomes difficult, and it becomes difficult for excretion liquid to transfer from a central absorption part to a side edge part, and the leak-proof effect of a side edge part can be heightened.
[0036]
Further, according to the present invention, a sheet extending in the vertical direction with a gap in the lateral direction is provided on the skin side surface, and the sheet is fixed to the skin side surface in the front part and the rear part, and the sheet is skinned in the intermediate part. A leakage prevention wall is formed by rising from the side surface, and at least one of the rising start point at the front and the rising start point at the rear of the leakage prevention wall is located in the vicinity of the second crimping portion. is there.
[0037]
Alternatively, the rising start point is located in the vicinity of the end of the second crimping portion.
[0038]
Thus, by providing the rising start point of the leak-proof wall in the vicinity of the second pressure-bonding portion or the end portion of the second pressure-bonding portion, that is, in the vicinity of the elastic restoring portion, the rise-off starting point of the leak-proof wall is irregular. Even if it is a case where it receives a pressure from a thigh in the wet state which absorbed excretion fluid, the twist and fall of a leak-proof wall can be suppressed.
[0039]
The present invention also includes a first rear pressure-bonding portion in which a lateral facing interval gradually decreases toward a rear edge portion of the absorbent article continuously with each of the first pressure-bonding portions, and the first A second rear crimping portion formed between the first crimping portion and the first crimping portion between the rear crimping portion and the side edge portion;
The skin-side surface is provided with a sheet extending in the vertical direction with a gap in the lateral direction. This sheet is fixed to the skin-side surface at the front part and the rear part, and the sheet rises from the skin-side surface at the intermediate part. A leakage prevention wall is formed, a rising start point in front of the leakage prevention wall is positioned in the vicinity of the first pressure-bonding part, and a rising start point behind the leakage prevention wall is the second rear pressure-bonding part. It is located in the vicinity.
[0040]
Alternatively, the rising start point behind the leak-proof wall is located in the vicinity of the front end of the second rear crimping portion.
[0041]
Also in this case, the rising start point behind the leak-proof wall is subjected to the elastic restoring action by the rear elastic restoring portion formed between the first rear crimping portion and the second rear crimping portion. It is possible to prevent twisting and falling of the leak-proof wall by suppressing regular movement.
[0042]
Here, the vicinity is preferably a distance of 45 mm or less, more preferably 25 mm.
[0043]
The present invention is particularly suitable for use as a sanitary napkin.
In the case of a sanitary napkin, it is often active while worn on the crotch part, and shrinkage deformation and twisting due to compressive force from the thigh are likely to occur, but the absorbent article of the present invention has the elastic restoring part For this reason, it becomes easy to recover the deformation and drowning.
[0044]
Next, the present invention has a liquid-permeable surface sheet located on the skin side surface, a back sheet located on the clothing side surface, and an absorbent layer located between the top sheet and the back sheet, A first pressure-bonding part that presses the topsheet and the absorbent layer at least on the left and right sides from a center line extending in the vertical direction, and a second pressure-bonding that is spaced outside the first pressure-bonding part. In the method of manufacturing an absorbent article in which the parts are formed to extend in the longitudinal direction,
A first convex portion arranged at a predetermined interval, a second convex portion positioned outside each of the first convex portions, and the first convex portion and the second convex portion. A first concave portion having a depth D2 between the first convex portion and the concave portion having a depth D1 between the first convex portion and the first convex portion. Using a pressurizing member having a bottom portion and a second bottom portion having a depth of D3 located outside the first convex portions, and D1 <D2 and D1 <D3,
While pressing at least the absorption layer from the skin side surface with the pressing member, the first convex portion is formed by the first convex portion, and the second crimp portion is formed by the second convex portion. The concave portion pressurizes the absorbent layer positioned between the first crimping portion and the second crimping portion and has a higher density than the portion of the absorbent layer facing the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface. It is characterized in that it is compressed.
[0045]
In this case, it is preferable that the absorbent article is not substantially pressurized at the first bottom portion and the second bottom portion.
[0046]
However, if the absorption layer in the portion facing the first bottom portion and the second bottom portion has a lower density than the absorption layer pressed by the concave portion, the first bottom portion and the second bottom portion absorb the same. The layer may be slightly pressurized.
[0047]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The absorbent article of the present invention is worn on the crotch part of the body for the purpose of absorbing menstrual blood, urine, and urine excreted from the body. A sanitary napkin whose main purpose is to absorb menstrual blood excreted from the vaginal opening will be described as an example. The surface facing the crotch portion of the two surfaces of the absorbent article is the skin-side surface, and the opposite surface is expressed as the clothing-side surface regardless of whether or not clothing is worn on the outside.
[0048]
The crimping | compression-bonding part in this specification means the state in which at least a surface sheet and an absorption layer or members other than an absorption layer and an absorption layer are compressed with high density, and the form can be maintained.
[0049]
In addition, the elastic restoring portion in the present invention refers to a pressure that shrinks the central absorbent portion by a predetermined dimension so that the width of the central absorbent portion is reduced, and when the applied pressure is removed, the central absorbent portion returns to its original shape. When a force is applied to bring the pair of elastic restoring parts closer to the predetermined dimension in a state excluding the central absorbing part, rather than repulsive forces in the left and right directions that are generated toward both the left and right sides to restore, and the force is removed This means that the repulsive force generated toward the left and right sides of each elastic restoring portion can be set larger.
[0050]
The longitudinal center line means a line extending in the longitudinal direction by dividing the absorbent article into the lateral direction. On the other hand, the horizontal reference line does not necessarily mean that it crosses the position that bisects the absorbent article in the vertical direction, and the first crimping part on the right side and the first on the left side as in the following embodiment. When the pressure bonding of 1 is not parallel, a line extending in the horizontal direction at a position where the first pressure bonding parts located on the left and right are closest is defined as a horizontal reference line. In addition, when the left and right first crimping portions are not parallel to each other as in the case where the left and right first crimping portions are parallel to each other, a line passing through the center in the vertical direction at the portion that contacts the vaginal opening when worn on the body Is defined as a horizontal reference line.
[0051]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a sanitary napkin 1 as a first embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention with the skin side surface facing upward, and FIG. 2 (A) shows the sanitary napkin of FIG. FIG. 2B is a half sectional view of the sanitary napkin of FIG. 1 cut along the line IIb-IIb, and FIG. 3 is a state in which the sanitary napkin is attached to a crotch cloth of underwear. FIG. 4 is a sectional view schematically showing a state in which the crotch cloth and sanitary napkin are deformed by a compressive force from the lateral direction, and FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing the deformed state. .
[0052]
The planar shape of the sanitary napkin 1 shown in FIG. 1 is vertically long, and has a right side edge 1a and a left side edge 1b extending in the vertical direction at equal distances from the vertical center line Oy-Oy. It has a front edge portion 1c and a rear edge portion 1d having a projecting curve shape spaced from the direction reference line Ox-Ox in the front-rear direction. For example, when the wing portions 18 and 18 are formed on the sanitary napkin as shown in FIG. 1, the right edge portion 1a and the left edge portion 1b are obtained by cutting the wing portions 18 and 18 from their roots. It is assumed that the virtual cutting lines A and A are included.
[0053]
2 and 3, the sanitary napkin 1 has a liquid-impermeable back sheet 2 that appears on the clothing side surface and a liquid-permeable surface sheet 3 that appears on the skin-side surface. is doing. An absorption layer 4 is interposed between the back sheet 2 and the top sheet 3. The absorption layer 4 is formed on the first absorption layer 4a provided in the range indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 1 and the second absorption layer 4b in the range indicated by the dotted line having a smaller area than the first absorption layer 4a. In the hourglass-shaped central absorbent portion 5, a third absorbent layer 4 c having an area smaller than that of the second absorbent layer 4 b is overlaid.
[0054]
And at least the surface sheet 3 and the said absorption layer 4 are crimped | bonded, and the crimping | compression-bonding part 10 is formed. The crimping portion 10 is formed by embossing using a pressure member to be described later. The first absorbent layer 4a, the second absorbent layer 4b, the third absorbent layer 4c, and the topsheet 3 Are pressed and heated from the surface side of the topsheet 3 in a state where the tops are stacked. As a result, in the crimping part 10, the high-density crimping part 10a pressed until the absorption layer and the surface sheet 3 are substantially film-like, and between the high-density crimping part 10a and the high-density crimping part 10a. Although the film is not in the form of a film, a medium-density crimping portion 10b in which the absorbing layer has a higher density than the region other than the crimping portion 10 is formed. In the crimping part 10, the high-density crimping part 10a and the medium-density crimping part 10b are alternately formed to form a linear pressing groove that is recessed from the skin side surface of the sanitary napkin 1 to the back sheet 2 side. Yes.
[0055]
The crimping part 10 is spaced apart from the first crimping parts 11, 11 by being spaced equidistant from the longitudinal center line Oy-Oy on the right and left sides, and outside the first crimping part 11, 11. The second pressure-bonding parts 12 and 12 are located on the right side. The first pressure-bonding parts 11 and 11 and the second pressure-bonding parts 12 and 12 are both pressing grooves along an arcuate curved line whose convex side is directed to the longitudinal center line Oy-Oy. 11 and the second crimping parts 12 and 12 are arranged so as to be equidistant from each other in the entire length of the second crimping parts 12 and 12.
[0056]
The crimping part 10 has lateral crimping parts 13, 13 that connect the front and rear ends of the first crimping parts 11, 11. The laterally crimped portions 13 and 13 are squeezing grooves along an arcuate curved line in which the concave side is directed to the lateral reference line Ox-Ox. In this embodiment, a region surrounded by the first pressure-bonding portions 11 and 11 and the horizontal-side pressure-bonding portions 13 and 13 is the central absorbent portion 5, and the second pressure-bonding portions 12 and 12 Located outside the absorber.
[0057]
The crimping part 10 is continuous with the first crimping parts 11, 11 and the front extension crimping parts 14, 14 extending forward of the lateral crimping part 13 and the first crimping parts 11, 11. And rear extension crimping portions 15, 15 extending rearward than the lateral crimping portions.
[0058]
The regions sandwiched between the first crimping parts 11 and 11 and the second crimping parts 12 and 12 are elastic restoring parts 6 and 6. The elastic restoring portions 6 and 6 are formed in an arc shape with a constant width in the range where the second crimping portions 12 and 12 are formed. Moreover, the area | region pinched | interposed by the 2nd crimping | compression-bonding part 12 and the right side edge part 1a, and the area | region pinched | interposed by the 2nd crimping | compression-bonding part 12 and the left side edge part 1b are the side edge parts 7 and 7, respectively.
[0059]
The absorbent layer 4 is provided in the entire range of the central absorbent part 5 and the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6 and in the range extending from the second crimping parts 12 and 12 to the middle of the side end parts 7 and 7. ing.
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 2, in the central absorbent portion 5, the central absorbent layer 4 </ b> A in which the first absorbent layer 4 a, the second absorbent layer 4 b, and the third absorbent layer 4 c are overlapped and the basis weight is large and bulky is formed. Is provided. The elastic restoring layer 4B provided in each elastic restoring part 6, 6 is an absorbing layer having a relatively large basis weight in which the first absorbing layer 4a and the second absorbing layer 4b are laminated. In the layer 4B, the absorption layer is compressed to increase the density. Each side end 7, 7 is provided with a side end absorbing layer 4C composed of the first absorbing layer 4a.
[0061]
The basis weight of the elastic restoring layer 4B may be the same as the basis weight of the central absorbent layer 4A, or may be slightly smaller than the basis weight of the central absorbent layer 4A. However, in order to exhibit a sufficient elastic restoring force in the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6, the basis weight of the elastic restoring layer 4B is preferably larger than the basis weight of the side end portion absorbing layer 4C.
[0062]
When forming each of the elastic restoring portions 6, the lateral distance between the first pressure-bonding portion 11 and the second pressure-bonding portion 12 is narrowed, and the topsheet 3 and the absorbent layer are When pressurizing, the topsheet 3 and the absorbent layer are pressed and heated while forming the compressed grooves while giving the topsheet 3 lateral extension with the pressing force of the convex portions. Therefore, the absorption layer between the first pressure-bonding part 11 and the second pressure-bonding part is pressed by the elastic restoring force of the stretched topsheet 3 so that the backsheet 2 and topsheet 3 It is sandwiched between. By forming the crimping portions 11 and 12 in this way, the elastic restoring layer 4B in the elastic restoring portion 6 can be made higher in density than the central absorbent layer 4A and the side end absorbent layers 4C.
[0063]
Further, when forming the first pressure-bonding portion 11 and the second pressure-bonding portion 12, an absorbing layer that has been compressed in advance and increased in density is supplied between the pressure-bonding portions 11 and 12. Further, the compression-bonding portions 11 and 12 may be formed to further compress, and the elastic restoring layer 4B having a high density may be formed.
[0064]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first pressure-bonding parts 11, 11 and the second pressure-bonding parts 12, 12 are pressing grooves that are concave from the top sheet 3 toward the back sheet 2, so that Both the absorption part 5 and the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6 are formed in a convex shape toward the skin side. As will be described later, when the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6 are convex toward the skin side, the central absorbent portion 5 and the side end portions 7 and 7 are easily separated from each other in the deformed state shown in FIG. .
[0065]
In the pressure-bonding portion 10, at least in the first pressure-bonding portion 11 and the second pressure-bonding portion 12, the density of both the high-density pressure-bonding portion 10a and the medium-density pressure-bonding portion 10b is such that the density is in the central portion absorption layer 4A and the side end portion. It is higher than the absorbing layer 4C and the elastic restoring layer 4B. As a result, the first pressure-bonding portion 11 and the second pressure-bonding portion 12 function as a flexible shaft that facilitates folding of the sanitary napkin at the portions, and the side-side pressure-bonding portions 13 and 13 and the front extending pressure-bonding portion 14 are also provided. 14 and the rear extension crimping portions 15 and 15 also function as flexible shafts.
[0066]
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, liquid-impervious sheets 20, 20 are provided on both sides of the skin-side surface, and leak-proof walls 21, 21 are respectively formed by the left and right liquid-impervious sheets 20, 20. Is formed. Since the shape of the left and right liquid-impervious sheets 20 and 20 and the structure of the leak-proof walls 21 and 21 are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal center line Oy-Oy, the liquid-impervious liquid positioned on the right side in the following. Only the adhesive sheet 20 and the leak-proof wall 21 will be described, and the description on the left side will be omitted. In each drawing, the reference numeral for showing the structure of the left leak-proof wall will be omitted.
[0067]
As shown in FIGS. 2 (A) and 2 (B), the liquid-impermeable sheet 20 is folded in half and sandwiched in a state where an elastic member 22 such as rubber extending in the longitudinal direction is stretched therebetween, and the elastic member 22, the folding facing portions of the sheet are bonded to each other. The liquid-impervious sheet 20 that is folded and overlapped has a first surface 21a and a second surface 21b with a bending reference 21b extending in the vertical direction interposed therebetween.
[0068]
The first surface 21a is bonded to the skin-side surface of the sanitary napkin 1 in a region indicated by broken line hatching in FIG. In FIG. 1, the boundary line between the bonded portion and the non-bonded portion of the first surface 21a is indicated by an intermediate boundary line 22a, a front boundary line 22b, and a rear boundary line 22c. In a range surrounded by these boundary lines 22a, 22b, and 22c (a range in which the dashed hatching is not applied), the first surface 21a and the skin side surface are not bonded.
[0069]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, between the front end 24a of the front boundary line 22b and the front edge portion 1c, the second surface 21c is superimposed on the first surface 21a and the first surface 21a. And the second surface 21c are bonded to each other.
[0070]
Also, between the rear end 24b of the rear boundary line 22c and the rear edge 1d, the second surface 21c is overlapped with the first surface 21a, so that the first surface 21a and the second surface 21c are Are glued together. Note that the second surface 21c is not bonded to the first surface 21a between the front end 24a and the rear end 24b.
[0071]
The elastic member 22 is provided at least in the range of the front end 24a and the rear end 24b. In a free state where no external force is applied to the sanitary napkin 1, the second surface 21c of the liquid-impermeable sheet 20 is provided. Elastic contraction force acts on the front end 24a, and elastic contraction force acts to bring the front end 24a and the rear end 24b closer to each other. Therefore, between the front end 24a and the rear end 24b, the first surface 21a and the second surface 21b rise from the intermediate boundary line 22a to form the leak-proof wall 21 having a length L1.
[0072]
In the present specification, the front end 24 a of the front boundary line 22 b is set as a rising start point in front of the leakage preventing wall 21, and the rear end 24 b of the rear boundary line 22 c is set as a rising start point in front of the leakage preventing wall 21.
In this sanitary napkin 1, the rising start point 24 a in front of the leak-proof wall 21 is located in the vicinity of the front end 12 a of the second crimping part 12, that is, the rising start point 24 a is located in the vicinity of the front end of the elastic restoring part 6. is doing. The shortest linear distance between the front rising start point 24a and the front end 12a of the second crimping portion 12 is set to 45 mm or less, preferably 40 mm or less.
[0073]
Similarly, the rising start point 24b behind the leak-proof wall 21 is located in the vicinity of the rear end 12b of the second crimping portion 12, that is, the rising start point 24b is located in the vicinity of the rear end portion of the elastic restoring portion 6. ing. The shortest linear distance between the rising start point 24a and the rear end 12b of the second crimping portion 12 is set to 45 mm or less, preferably 30 mm or less.
[0074]
Further, the linear distance between the rear rising start point 24b and the rear end 12b is preferably shorter than the linear distance between the front rising start point 24a and the front end 12a. That is, when the sanitary napkin 1 is attached, the rear rising start point 24b close to the buttocks side is more easily moved. Therefore, the movement of the rising start point 24b can be easily suppressed by keeping the rear rising start point 24b close to the elastic restoring portion 6.
[0075]
As shown in FIG. 1, the sanitary napkin 1 is formed with wing portions 18 and 18 projecting outward from the right edge portion 1a and the left edge portion 1b. The wing portions 18 are configured by bonding the back sheet 2 and the liquid-impermeable sheet 20.
[0076]
A pressure-sensitive adhesive layer for bonding the central portion of the sanitary napkin 1 to the crotch cloth of the underwear and a pressure-sensitive adhesive bonding the wing portions 18 and 18 to the outer surface of the crotch cloth of the underwear are provided on the outer surface of the back sheet 2. An adhesive layer is provided.
[0077]
FIG. 3 shows a state in which the sanitary napkin 1 is attached to an underwear crotch cloth 25.
[0078]
The sanitary napkin 1 is bonded to the inner surface of the crotch cloth 25 through a pressure-sensitive adhesive provided on the outer surface of the back sheet 2. The wings 18 and 18 are bent toward the outer surface of the crotch cloth 25 so that both side edges of the crotch cloth 25 are wound, and the wing parts 18 and 18 are bonded to the outer surface of the crotch cloth 25 by a pressure sensitive adhesive. The
[0079]
When this undergarment is worn, the sanitary napkin 1 is applied to the crotch part and tries to deform along the surface of the crotch part. At this time, the first crimping part 11, 11 and the second crimping part 12, 12 functions as a flexible shaft, and the sanitary napkin 1 is easily deformed so that the skin side surface is depressed when viewed in the cross section of FIG. Also in the vertical direction, the sanitary napkin 1 is recessed and deformed so that the front edge portion 1c and the rear edge portion 1d approach each other, and therefore the leak-proof wall 21 to which a contracting force in the vertical direction is given by the elastic member 22. , 21 rise from the skin side surface, and the leak-proof walls 21, 21 come into contact with the crotch portion as shown in FIG.
[0080]
Further, since the contraction force in the vertical direction from the elastic member 22 is also acting on the side end portions 7 and 7, the side end portions 7 and 7 use the second crimping portions 12 and 12 as flexible shafts. In FIG. 3, an attempt is made to bend in the direction indicated by M and M. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the end portions 7 and 7 rise slightly diagonally so that the right edge portion 1a and the left edge portion 1b are directed toward the body, and the inclined side edge portions 7 and 7 Side leakage of menstrual blood can be easily prevented by the leakage prevention walls 21 and 21 rising from the positions 7 and 7.
[0081]
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the side end portions 7, 7 rise from the second crimping portions 12, 12 toward the crotch portion 50, and thus the side end portions having the side end absorption layers 4 </ b> C, 4 </ b> C. The leak-proof walls 21 and 21 are supported from below by 7 and 7, so that the leak-proof walls 21 and 21 can be securely attached to the crotch portion. At this time, the side end portions 7 and 7 are located below the leak-proof walls 21 and 21 and in the middle of the deformed sanitary napkin 1 in the thickness direction, and the convex elastic restoring portions 6 and 6 are formed inside thereof. Therefore, even if the leak-proof walls 21 and 21 may contact the side end portions 7 and 7, it is difficult to contact the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6. Therefore, even if menstrual blood adheres to the leak-proof walls 21 and 21 through the crotch portion, the menstrual blood can be prevented from touching the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6, and the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6 are in a wet state. It is hard to become, and can suppress the fall of an elastic function.
[0082]
Further, before and after the sanitary napkin 1, the laterally crimped portions 13, 13 are bent as flexible shafts, the front end of the front of the laterally crimped portion 13 hits the pubic mound, and the rearward of the laterally crimped portion 13. The rear end of the sword will come into contact with the buttocks. Further, the front end portion is deformed so as to fit to the pubis using the front extension crimping portions 14 and 14 as flexible shafts, and the rear end portion is deformed so as to fit the collar portion using the rear extension crimping portions 15 and 15 as flexible shafts. . Further, at the front end portion in front of the lateral crimping portion 13 and the rear end portion in the direction from the lateral crimping portion 13, the front extension crimping portions 14 and 14 and the rear extension crimping portion that extend in pairs in the front-rear direction, respectively. 15 and 15, the rigidity against twisting and twisting at the front end portion and the rear end portion can be increased, and the sanitary napkin 1 can be easily kept flat at the front end portion and the rear end portion.
[0083]
When the sanitary napkin 1 is worn and the interval between the thighs 51 and 51 is narrowed, the compressive forces F and F from the thighs 51 and 51 are applied to the crotch cloth 25 and the sanitary napkin 1 from the lateral direction. Works. The compressive forces F and F act to reduce the width dimension of the sanitary napkin 1 and further act as a force toward the longitudinal center line Oy-Oy against the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6.
[0084]
Here, since the sanitary napkin 1 has a uniform width dimension, the compression portions F and F act strongly as a force to reduce the width dimension, particularly at the position of the lateral reference line Ox-Ox. However, the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6 sandwiched between the first crimping part 11 and the second crimping part 12 have a curved line shape, and the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6 are large as shown in FIG. It is positioned so as to follow the curved surface inside the thighs 51, 51, and the distance from the inner surface of the thighs 51, 51 is substantially uniform over the entire length of the elastic restoring parts 6, 6. Therefore, the compression forces F and F act uniformly without causing a large force difference over the entire length of the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6.
[0085]
In this way, since the compressive forces F and F are uniformly applied to each part of the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6 having rigidity, the lateral reference is applied to the central absorbent part 5 sandwiched between the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6. The compressive force does not concentrate and act only on the portion of the line Ox-Ox, and the compressive force acts on the central absorbent portion 5 in a distributed manner in the length direction. Therefore, the central absorbent portion 5 is uniformly narrowed in the width direction, and only a part of the central absorbent portion 5 is not extremely shortened.
[0086]
Further, when the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6 having high density and high rigidity come close to each other, the central absorbent part 5 positioned therebetween is deformed so as to be pushed up toward the body, so that the central absorbent part 5 becomes the crotch part 50. The central absorbent portion 5 comes into close contact with the vaginal opening. In this state, the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6 function to support the central absorption part 5 from below, and the close contact state between the central absorption part 5 and the vaginal opening is maintained.
[0087]
The elastic restoring layers 4B and 4B of the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6 are obtained by compressing the absorbing layer and increasing the density, and have an elastic restoring force in the lateral direction. Therefore, when the space between the thighs 51 and 51 is widened, the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6 are easily restored so that the central absorbent portion 5 is spread in the width direction. Even when the sanitary napkin 1 is twisted in the worn state, the twist is easily restored by the elastic restoring action of the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6. In particular, since the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6 have a uniform width dimension and are curved so as to follow the thigh portions 51 and 51, the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6 are expanded when the thigh portions 51 and 51 are expanded. The compressive forces F and F acting on 6 are alleviated almost simultaneously and equally at each position of the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6, and the width dimension can be uniformly recovered at each portion of the central absorbent portion 5. It becomes like this.
[0088]
In addition, as described above, the difference in the distance between each part of each elastic restoring part 6 and 6 and the thigh is made small, and compression forces F and F are given to the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6 as equally as possible. In order to reduce the compression as evenly as possible when the compression forces F and F are released, the first pressure-bonding portion 11 and the second pressure-bonding portion 12 and the elastic restoring portion 6, as shown in the embodiment of the figure. It is preferable that 6 has a shape along the curved line. However, the equivalent effect is that the first crimping part 11, the second crimping part 12, and the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6 are closest to each other at the position of the lateral centerline Ox-Ox, and this lateral centerline Ox- Any pattern shape that moves away from the longitudinal center line Oy-Oy as it moves back and forth from Ox can be exhibited. For example, both the crimping parts 11 and 12 and the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6 may be an arc locus, an elliptical locus, a trapezoid locus, a V-shaped pattern, or the like. Further, the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12 are zigzag lines or wavy line patterns, and this pattern is closest to the position of the lateral center line Ox-Ox, and from this lateral center line Ox-Ox. You may leave | separate from the vertical direction centerline Oy-Oy as it leaves | separates back and forth.
[0089]
Menstrual blood excreted from the ostium of the vagina is mainly given to the central absorbent portion 5 that is in close contact with the ostium of the vagina, passes through the topsheet 3 and is absorbed by the central absorbent layer 4A. Since the periphery of the central absorbent portion 5 is surrounded by the first crimping portions 11 and 11 and the lateral crimping portions 13 and 13, it is easy to prevent menstrual blood from diffusing outward in the crimping portion. The menstrual blood is diffused and absorbed in the central absorption part 5, and the liquid absorption capacity of the central absorption layer 4A can be fully utilized.
[0090]
Since the central absorbent layer 4A has a large basis weight and a low density, the elastic restoring force against compression is reduced when menstrual blood is absorbed. On the other hand, since the elastic restoring layers 4B and 4B in the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6 are compressed with high density, the elastic recovery force can be maintained even if menstrual blood enters the inside. Therefore, even in a wet state where menstrual blood is given, the width dimension of the central absorbent portion 5 can be recovered each time the thighs 51 and 51 spread. Further, since the central absorbent portion 5 is pressed against the vaginal opening by the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6, even if menstrual blood is given to the central absorbent layer 4A and the compression recovery is lowered, It becomes difficult to produce a gap in
[0091]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, in a state where the sanitary napkin 1 is compressed, there are convex elastic restoring portions 6 and 6 on both sides of the central absorbent portion 5, and side end portions 7 and 7 are on the outside thereof. Since it is located, the surface of the center absorption part 5 and the surface of the side edge parts 7 and 7 become difficult to contact directly. Therefore, menstrual blood absorbed in the central absorption portion 5 is less likely to be transferred to the side end portions 7 and 7, and inadvertent diffusion of menstrual blood can be prevented. Further, even when menstrual blood flows laterally along the surface of the central absorption part 5, the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6 can receive and stop it and prevent it from flowing in the direction of the side end parts 7 and 7. Cheap.
[0092]
As described above, since the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6 are formed on both the left and right sides, even in the vicinity of the portion where the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6 are provided, the sanitary napkin 1 is immediately recovered even if it is deformed. It can be maintained even in a state where menstrual blood is absorbed. As described above, the front rising start point 24a and the rear rising start point 24b of the leak-proof wall 21 are located in the vicinity of the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6, and the linear distance is 45 mm or less at the maximum. Therefore, even when the rising start points 24a and 24b are deformed toward the longitudinal center line Oy-Oy while being worn on the body, it is easy to return to the original position with the external force removed. Therefore, the leak-proof wall 21 is not inadvertently twisted, and the positions of the rising start points 24 a and 24 b are stabilized so that the leak-proof walls 21 and 21 cover the surface of the central absorbent portion 5. It can prevent falling down. As a result, the effect of preventing the side leakage of menstrual blood can be enhanced by the leak-proof walls 21 and 21.
[0093]
Moreover, since the 1st crimping | compression-bonding part 11, the 2nd crimping | compression-bonding part 12, and the elastic decompression | restoration part 6 are convex curved shape toward the vertical direction centerline Oy-Oy, the front end 12a and the rear end of the 2nd crimping | compression-bonding part 12 12b is easy to approach the rising start points 24a and 24b, and the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6 make it easy to stabilize the positions of the rising start points 24a and 24b.
[0094]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the front rising start point 24a is located in front of the front end 12a of the second crimping part 12, but the rising start point 24a is connected to the second crimping part 12 and the right edge. The rear rising start point 24b may be positioned between the second crimping portion 12 and the right edge portion 1a. However, the shortest linear distance between the rising start point 24a or 24b and the second crimping portion 12 is preferably 45 mm or less, and in this case, it is more preferably 25 mm or less.
[0095]
Hereinafter, preferable numerical values of each component will be described. Also in other embodiments described below, it is preferable that a portion having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment has the following numerical range. In the following, the density and basis weight of the absorbent layer are numerical values excluding, for example, hydrophilic paper that wraps fibers such as pulp constituting the absorbent layer.
[0096]
The central absorption layer 4A has a large liquid absorption capacity so that menstrual blood can be sufficiently absorbed in the central absorption part 5, and is soft against the body, and is compressed by pressure from the body to remove the pressure. It is preferable to have an elastic restoring force capable of recovering the thickness when it is applied.
[0097]
The central absorbent layer 4A has a density of 0.05 to 0.15 g / cm. ³ The range of is preferable. The weight of the central absorbent layer 4A is 500 to 1200 g / m. ² Is more preferable, and 500 to 1000 g / m is more preferable. ² It is. If it is this range, sufficient liquid absorption capacity | capacitance and the elastic restoring force with respect to the compression of an up-down direction are realizable.
[0098]
The width W1 of the central absorbent portion 5 on the horizontal reference line Ox-Ox is preferably in the range of 15 to 50 mm, and more preferably in the range of 20 to 40 mm. The first reason is that the typical crotch width of a woman is 30 mm. The second reason is that, if W1 is within the above range, even if the side end portions 7 and 7 and the leak-proof walls 21 and 21 have fallen toward the longitudinal center line Oy-Oy, An exposed surface can be secured and menstrual blood can be received on this surface.
[0099]
The elastic restoring layer 4B provided in the elastic restoring part 6 is formed so that the density of the central absorbing layer 4A and the density of the side end absorbing layer 4C are higher and the thickness of the elastic restoring part 6 is increased to some extent. That is, in the elastic restoring part 6, the basis weight is 300 to 800 g / m between the first pressure-bonding part 11 and the second pressure-bonding part 12 each having a width dimension W4 of 1.5 to 3.5 mm. ² Preferably 350 to 600 g / m ² The absorbent layer is compressed and packed so that the density of the absorbent layer is 0.1 to 0.25 g / cm. ³ Enhanced. The elastic restoring portion 6 is formed in a convex shape so that the width dimension W2 is 3 to 10 mm and the thickness from the outer surface of the back sheet 2 to the outer surface of the top sheet 3 is 2 to 6 mm.
[0100]
By forming the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6 in this way, the waist is strong and rich in elastic restoring force between the central absorbent part 5 and the side end parts 7 and 7, and the elasticity and elasticity are restored even when wet. It is possible to form an elastic portion where the force does not decay.
[0101]
As will be described later, in the central absorbent part 5 and the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6, a non-woven fabric formed of synthetic fibers and the hydrophilic fiber absorbent layer are interposed between the top sheet 3 and the back sheet 2. There is. In this case, the preferred range of the density is the density of the absorbent layer excluding the non-woven fabric, and the preferred basis weight means that including the absorbent layer and the non-woven fabric.
[0102]
The longitudinal length of the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6 is determined by the longitudinal length of the second crimping portions 12 and 12. If the length of the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6 in the longitudinal direction is too short, the width dimension of the central absorbent part 5 cannot be recovered, and if it is too long, the rigidity of the sanitary napkin increases and the crotch part is increased. Give a sense of incongruity. The length of the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6 in the vertical direction (the length when measured in parallel with the vertical center line Oy-Oy) is preferably 40 mm or more and 100 mm or less. However, in the case of a long-type sanitary napkin such as that shown in FIG. 10 that is used at night or on days with a lot of menstrual blood, the longitudinal length of the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6 is prevented from exceeding 100 mm. Absent. For example, in the case of the long type in which the length of the sanitary napkin is about 380 mm, the upper limit of the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6 is about 120 mm. When the length exceeds 100 mm or when the length is longer than 120 mm, the sanitary napkin 1 can easily give a rigid intuition to the body.
[0103]
The density of the side end absorbing layer 4C is lower than that of the elastic restoring layer 4B and is preferably about the same as that of the central absorbing layer 4A. The range is 0.05 to 0.15 g / cm. ³ It is. The basis weight is smaller than that of the elastic restoring layer 4B, for example, 300 to 450 g / m. ² The degree is preferred. Moreover, it is preferable that the width dimension W3 of 4 C of side edge part absorption layers is 10-35 mm, More preferably, it is 10-20 mm. Furthermore, the basis weight of the side end absorption layer 4C is 300 to 450 g / m. ² The degree is preferred. The upper limit of the basis weight is not limited to the above range, and in the case of a sanitary napkin, the upper limit of the basis weight is 600 g / m. ² It can be.
[0104]
Next, it is the density of the said crimping | compression-bonding part 10 in the 1st crimping | compression-bonding part 11 and the 2nd crimping | compression-bonding part 12, The density in the part with the highest density in this crimping | compression-bonding part 10, ie, the high-density crimping | compression-bonding part 10a. However, it is preferable that the density of each of the central absorbent layer 4A, the elastic restoring layer 4B, and the side end absorbent layer 4C is sufficiently higher. In order to allow the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6 to independently exhibit the elastic restoring force, the density of the high-density crimping portion 10a is 0.3 g / cm. ³ More than 0.5 to 1.5 g / cm ³ It is preferable that it is the range of these. Moreover, even if the density of the medium density crimping part 10b in the crimping | compression-bonding part 10 is not necessarily in the said range, the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6 which have an elastic restoring function can be comprised. However, in order to keep the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6 at a high density and to bend easily between the first pressure-bonding parts 11 and 11 and the second pressure-bonding parts 12 and 12, the density of the medium-density pressure-bonding part 10b is also the above-mentioned density. It is preferable to be within the range.
[0105]
Next, a preferable example of each constituent material will be described.
As the surface sheet 3, a synthetic resin film in which a large number of liquid-permeable holes are formed, a synthetic resin sheet formed in a net shape, or an air-through nonwoven fabric formed of chemical fibers is preferably used. Alternatively, a composite material in which an air-through nonwoven fabric is laminated under the synthetic resin film having a liquid-permeable hole on the surface can also be used. In this case, the synthetic resin film is formed of a polyethylene resin containing titanium oxide as a whitening agent, and the air-through nonwoven fabric is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containing titanium oxide in the core and polyethylene (PE) in the sheath. A core-sheath type composite synthetic fiber is used, and the core-sheath type composite synthetic fiber is bonded by hot fusion with hot air.
[0106]
Moreover, the said surface sheet 3 may be other nonwoven fabrics, such as a spunlace nonwoven fabric and a spun bond nonwoven fabric.
[0107]
The back sheet 2 is a liquid-impermeable and breathable sheet, and is a polyethylene (PE) film or a polypropylene (PP) film in which fine ventilation holes are formed. For example, the plastic sheet is CaCo ₃ , BaSo ₄ By mixing and stretching an inorganic filler, etc., fine air holes are appropriately dispersed in the film to improve air permeability, and the thickness is about 15 to 50 μm. . Or the material which laminated the thermoplastic resin to the nonwoven fabric may be sufficient.
[0108]
The first absorbent layer 4a, the second absorbent layer 4b, and the third absorbent layer 4c are laminated bodies of fluff pulp such as pulverized pulp, mercerized pulp, and cross-linked pulp, and each of the absorbent layers 4a, 4b, In the state where 4c is overlapped, the whole is wrapped with hydrophilic paper. The pulp may contain a synthetic water-absorbing polymer such as polyacrylate, polyacrylamide, and maleate anhydride, or a natural absorbent polymer such as starch and cellulose. Alternatively, a sheet-like water-absorbing polymer may be included.
[0109]
In particular, when the water-absorbing polymer or a sheet thereof is included in the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6, the bonding force between the pulps is enhanced in a wet state where menstrual blood is absorbed, and the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6 Stiffness can be increased.
[0110]
The liquid-impermeable sheet 20 forming the leak-proof wall 21 is a spunbond nonwoven fabric, a meltblown nonwoven fabric, or a laminate thereof, and preferably a water-repellent treatment.
[0111]
The back sheet 2, the top sheet 3, the absorbent layer 4 and the liquid impermeable sheet 20 are bonded to each other through an adhesive as appropriate at a portion other than the pressure bonding part 10.
[0112]
Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0113]
FIG. 6 is a half sectional view showing a sanitary napkin 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0114]
In this embodiment, the nonwoven fabric 8 formed of synthetic fibers is overlaid on the absorbent layers 4A and 4B from the central absorbent portion 5 to the inside of the elastic restoring portion over the first crimping portions 11 and 11. . This nonwoven fabric is, for example, an air-through nonwoven fabric.
[0115]
The air-through nonwoven fabric is made of an eccentric core-sheath composite synthetic fiber (for example, a fineness of 4.4 dtex and a fiber length of 50 mm) having a core part of polypropylene (PP) and a sheath part of polyethylene (PE). The fibers are formed by heat treatment for 1 minute, and the fibers are coated with a hydrophilic oil agent. The density is lower than that of the central absorbent layer 4A and the top sheet 3, and is 0.005 g / cm. ³ Above 0.3g / cm ³ Those in the range are used. The air-through nonwoven fabric has a thickness of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, and is used by folding it in two or three layers.
[0116]
In the central absorbent portion 5, the air is interposed between the central absorbent layer 4 </ b> A formed of hydrophilic fibers such as pulp or a mixture of hydrophilic fibers and a water-absorbing polymer and wrapped with hydrophilic paper, and the top sheet 3. When the through nonwoven fabric is interposed, menstrual blood given to the top sheet 3 in the central absorbent portion 5 passes through the top sheet 3 and further passes through the voids between the fibers of the air through nonwoven fabric under its own weight, and the central absorbent layer 4A will be absorbed. Therefore, the absorption speed of menstrual blood given repeatedly can be increased, and the topsheet 3 can be easily kept dry. Further, since the air-through nonwoven fabric has a high elastic restoring property, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when the width of the central absorbent portion 5 is reduced, the central absorbent portion 5 itself exhibits an elastic restoring force in the width direction. become able to.
[0117]
Further, in the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6, the back sheet 2 and the top sheet 3 in a state where the air-through nonwoven fabric is compressed together with the elastic restoring layer 4B in which the pulp layer or the pulp and the water-absorbing polymer are wrapped with hydrophilic paper. It is sandwiched between. Therefore, the elastic restoring function of the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6 can be further enhanced. In addition, since the air-through nonwoven fabric is heated and pressurized together in the first crimping portion 11 and the synthetic fibers constituting the air-through nonwoven fabric are thermally melted, the crimping state of the first crimping portion 11 is changed. It can be maintained, and even when menstrual blood is touched, problems such as recovery of pressure bonding of the first pressure bonding portion 11 do not occur. Therefore, the inside of the elastic restoring portion 6 can always be kept at a high density.
[0118]
In addition, it is more preferable that the air-through nonwoven fabric is also interposed in the second crimping portion 12.
[0119]
In addition, the nonwoven fabric formed with the synthetic fiber is not limited to the air-through nonwoven fabric. For example, other nonwoven fabrics such as a spunbond nonwoven fabric and a melt blown nonwoven fabric are formed on the elastic restoring portion 6 and the first crimping portion 11 and the second crimping portion 12. It may be provided.
[0120]
FIG. 7 is a half sectional view showing a sanitary napkin 1B according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0121]
The entire structure of the sanitary napkin 1B is the same as that shown in FIG. However, a reinforcing member 23 is provided in the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6 together with the elastic restoring layers 4B and 4B. The reinforcing member 23 is higher in density and rigidity than the central absorbent layer 4A and the side end absorbent layer 4C. For example, a foamed resin material such as urethane foam resin, pulp and synthetic fiber are heat-sealed. Or an airlaid nonwoven fabric fixed with a binder or a natural rubber or rigid rubber in the form of a rod or a plate. By providing this reinforcing member 23, the elastic restoring force of the elastic restoring portion 6 can be further increased.
[0122]
The reinforcing member 23 is made of a foamed urethane resin that has been subjected to a hydrophilic treatment, and this foamed urethane resin is used in the central absorbent portion 5, the first crimping portion 11, the second crimping portion 12, and the elastic restoring portions 6, 6. You may arrange | position continuously inside.
[0123]
Moreover, in this invention, you may provide only the said reinforcement member 23, without providing absorption layers, such as a pulp, in the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6. FIG.
[0124]
FIG. 8A is a plan view of a sanitary napkin 1C according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0125]
In this sanitary napkin 1C, a crimping portion 10B having the same pattern shape as the crimping portion 10 shown in FIG. 1 is formed. The crimping portion 10B includes first crimping portions 11B and 11B, second crimping portions 12B and 12B, a lateral crimping portion 13B, front extending crimping portions 14B and 14B, and rear extending crimping portions 15B and 15B. In this crimping part 10B, instead of the continuous pressing groove, crimping dots are intermittently formed at intervals along the pattern.
[0126]
In this crimping part 10B, the surface sheet 3 and the absorption layer 4 are pressed by the convex part of the dot embossing pattern at the part of the crimping dot and heated to form a high density. Further, no pressure / heating force is applied between the pressure-bonding dots and the pressure-bonding dots from the outside.
[0127]
In this sanitary napkin 1C, a high height is provided between the back sheet 2 and the top sheet 3 between the first crimping parts 11B and 11B formed by the arrangement of the crimping dots and the second crimping parts 12B and 12B. Density elastic restoring portions 6B and 6B are formed. The elastic restoring portions 6B and 6B are weak in restraining force by the pressure-bonding portions 11B and 12B formed by pressure-bonding dots, and are limited in compressing an absorbent layer such as pulp with high density only by the pressure-bonding portion forming process. There is. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is preferable to use a material obtained by compression-molding pulp or the like as the elastic restoring layer 4B included in the elastic restoring portions 6B and 6B, and a reinforcing member 23 as shown in FIG. 7 is used. It is preferable.
[0128]
As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the pressure-bonded dots may be circular, or the pressure-bonded dots may be elongated in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 8C. . Further, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, an intermediate portion that is not pressed and heated between the pressure-bonding dots and the pressure-bonding dots in the first pressure-bonding portions 11B and 11B, and a second pressure-bonding. The pressure-bonding dots of the first pressure-bonding portions 11B, 11B and the intermediate portions that are not pressed / heated between the pressure-bonding dots and the pressure-bonding dots in the portions 12B, 12B do not overlap in the lateral direction (X direction). The crimp dots of the second intermediate portions 12C and 12C are preferably formed alternately.
[0129]
By arranging the pressure-bonding dots in a staggered manner, when the menstrual blood given to the central absorbent portion 5 diffuses in the horizontal direction along the topsheet 3 or the absorption layer, the pressure-bonding dots move to the menstrual blood in the horizontal direction. On the other hand, it functions like a labyrinth, and has an effect of suppressing the transition of menstrual blood to the side end portions 7 and 7.
[0130]
Further, one of the first pressure-bonding portion and the second pressure-bonding portion is a pressing groove like the pressure-bonding portion 10 in FIG. 1, and the other is a pressure-bonding dot as shown in FIGS. 8 (A), (B), and (C). May be formed. For example, all of the first crimping portion, the lateral crimping portion, the front extension crimping portion, and the rear extension crimping portion may be formed as squeezing grooves, and only the second crimping portion may be formed with the crimping dots, or the second crimping may be performed. The portion may be a compressed groove, and the entire first crimping portion or only the region facing the second crimping portion of the first crimping portion may be formed with the crimping dots. In these cases, the laterally crimped portion, the front extension crimp portion, and the rear extension crimp portion may be compressed grooves or crimp dots.
[0131]
However, it is preferable that the first pressure-bonding portion close to the longitudinal center line Oy-Oy is a pressing groove and the second pressure-bonding portion is a pressure-bonding dot. If it does in this way, it will be easy to suppress that the menstrual blood given to the center absorption part 5 transfers to the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6. FIG.
[0132]
As described above, when using the one in which the crimping dots are arranged as the crimping part, the non-crimping part tends to bend in the vertical direction by being interposed between the crimping dots, and the front end part of the sanitary napkin is the lower abdomen On the side, it becomes easy to bend and deform so that the rear end fits to the buttock side. Further, when the crimp dots are alternately formed as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the crimping effect can be enhanced without increasing the bending rigidity of the crimp portions.
[0133]
In addition, when forming a dotted crimp dot as shown in FIG. 8C, the length of the linear crimp dot is preferably about 10 to 20 mm, and the intermittent portion of the linear crimp dot adjacent in the vertical direction. The length of the (non-crimped portion) in the vertical direction is preferably about 5 to 10 mm. In addition, the linear pressure-bonded dots may be formed such that the high-density pressure-bonding portion 10a and the medium-density pressure-bonding portion 10b are alternately repeated. Further, any part of the crimping part shown in FIG. 1 or the like may be interrupted.
[0134]
Next, FIGS. 9 to 13 show still another embodiment. In all of the first to fourth embodiments, the pattern shape of the crimping part is the same. However, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 to 13, the pattern shape of the crimping part is the first to fourth. This is different from the embodiment.
[0135]
However, regarding the structure other than the pattern shape of the crimping portion, it is needless to say that the structures shown in FIGS. 9 to 13 can be selected and adopted from the structures shown in the first to fourth embodiments. Therefore, in the following, only the difference in the pattern shape of the crimping part will be mainly described, and the other parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the respective embodiments, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0136]
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a sanitary napkin 1E showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The crimping part 10E of the sanitary napkin 1E shown in FIG. 9 is not provided with the lateral crimping parts 13 and 13 as shown in FIG. 1, and extends forwardly before and after the arcuate curved first crimping parts 11E and 11E. The crimping parts 14E and 14E and the rear extension crimping parts 15E and 15E are continuous. A portion surrounded by the first crimping portions 11E and 11E is the central absorbent portion 5, and the second crimping portions 12E and 12E are provided outside the central absorbent portion 5.
[0137]
The 2nd crimping | compression-bonding part 12E and 12E are formed in the circular arc-shaped curve line pattern, maintaining equidistant with 1st crimping | compression-bonding part 11E and 11E.
[0138]
Also in this embodiment, the elastic restoring function by the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6 can be exhibited in the deformed state shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. Further, when menstrual blood is given to the absorption layer, the menstrual blood is further separated from the central absorption portion 5 sandwiched between the first crimping portions 11E and 11E, and the portion sandwiched between the forward extension crimping portions 14E and 14E and the rear extension. Since it can diffuse to the portion sandwiched between the crimping portions 15E and 15E, the size in the vertical direction of the sanitary napkin 1E can be effectively used when many menstrual blood is given.
[0139]
FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a sanitary napkin 1F according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0140]
This sanitary napkin 1F is of a type that is vertically long and has a so-called hip guard portion formed in the rear portion with the lateral width of the right edge portion 1a and the left edge portion 1b widening greatly.
[0141]
In this embodiment, the first rear crimping portions 15F, 15F extending rearward from the first crimping portions 11F, 11F are gradually narrowed toward the rear edge 1d. The first rear crimping portion 15F and the first rear crimping portion 15F are connected to each other by a curved coupling crimping portion 17F inside the rear edge 1d.
[0142]
Further, second rear crimping portions 18F and 18F are provided outside the first rear crimping portions 15F and 15F, and the second rear crimping portions 18F and 18F are provided inside the rear edge portion 1d. It is connected by a curved connecting and crimping portion 19F. This 2nd public information press-bonding part 18F and 18F also has the part from which the opposing space | interval of the horizontal direction becomes narrow gradually toward the rear edge part 1d.
[0143]
In this embodiment, a region surrounded by the first crimping part 11F, the first crimping part 11F, and the lateral crimping part 13F is the central absorption part 5F, and the first rear crimping part 15F and the first center A region surrounded by the rear pressure bonding part 15F and the connection pressure bonding part 17F is the rear center absorption part 5G. And in the center absorption part 5F and the back center absorption part 5G, the bulky center part absorption layer 4A is continuously provided between the surface sheet 3 and the back surface sheet 2 in the inside. In the central absorbent portion 5F and the rear central absorbent portion 5G, the density and basis weight of the central absorbent layer 4A are substantially uniform.
[0144]
Moreover, between the 1st back crimping | compression-bonding parts 15F and 15F and the 2nd back crimping | compression-bonding parts 18F and 18F, it is the back elastic restoring part 6F and 6F, and in this back elastic restoring part 6F and 6F, surface The absorption layer (elastic restoring layer) provided between the sheet 3 and the back sheet 2 is higher than the density of the central absorbent layer 4A in the rear central absorbent part 5G. The density of the absorbing layer in the rear elastic restoring parts 6F and 6F is the same as that of the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6, or slightly smaller than the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6 and larger than that of the central absorbing layer 4A. Is set to
[0145]
As shown in FIG. 10, the boundary portions 11G and 11G between the first rear crimping portions 15F and 15F and the first crimping portions 11F and 11F are convex toward the direction away from the longitudinal center line Oy-Oy. In addition, the central absorption layer 4A is wide at the boundary portions 11G and 11G. The first rear crimping portions 15F and 15F have a pattern shape in which the lateral facing interval gradually decreases from the boundary portions 11G and 11G toward the rear edge portion 1d. 11F also has a pattern shape in which the facing interval gradually decreases from the boundary portions 11G and 11G toward the front edge portion 1c.
[0146]
In addition, liquid-impervious sheets 20 and 20 and leak-proof walls 21 and 21 formed of the liquid-impervious sheet 20 are provided on the left and right sides of the skin-side surface of the sanitary napkin 1F. The structure of the leak-proof walls 21 and 21 is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, and only the dimensions thereof are different. That is, an intermediate boundary line 22a, a front boundary line 22b, and a rear boundary line 22c are provided as a boundary between the bonded portion and the non-bonded portion of the liquid-impermeable sheet 20, and reference numeral 24a is a front end of the leak-proof wall 21. This is a starting point, and reference numeral 24 b is a rising starting point behind the leak-proof wall 21.
[0147]
Also in this embodiment, the front rising start point 24a is located in the vicinity of the front end of the elastic restoring portion 6, and the shortest linear distance between the front end 12a of the second crimping portion 12F and the rising start point 24a is 45 mm or less. It is preferably 40 mm or less, more preferably 25 mm or less.
[0148]
Similarly, the rear rising start point 24b is located in the vicinity of the front end of the rear elastic restoring portion 6F, and the distance between the rising start point 24a and the front end 18G of the second rear pressing portion 18F is 45 mm or less. However, as shown in FIG. 10, in the case of a sanitary napkin 1F that has a first rear crimping portion 15F and a second rear crimping portion 18F and is vertically long and has a hip guard portion and is suitable for use at bedtime, Twisting and twisting are likely to occur in the hip guard that hits the vicinity of the hip. Therefore, it is preferable that the shortest linear distance between the rising start point 24b behind the leak-proof wall 21 and the front end 18G of the second rear crimping portion 18F is 20 mm or less.
[0149]
Since this sanitary napkin 1F is vertically long, when it is worn on the inner side of the crotch cloth 25 of the underwear, the portion of the lateral reference line Ox-Ox coincides with the substantially center of the vaginal opening in the front-rear direction. When compression forces F and F are applied from the thigh near the horizontal reference line Ox-Ox, the elastic recovery force of the elastic restoring portions 6 and 6 in the portion causes the deformation shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. It will be able to recover to spread in the horizontal direction.
[0150]
Further, the rear portion of the sanitary napkin 1F is applied to the buttocks, and the rear center absorption portion 5G is applied to the groove of the buttocks. Since the rear elastic restoring parts 6F, 6F are also located on both sides of the rear center absorption part 5G, for example, excessive pressure from the body or underwear caused by a change in the posture (body posture) of the wearer is applied to the sanitary napkin 1F. Even if it is added, the rear part is difficult to deform, and even if it is deformed, it is easy to recover.
[0151]
Further, since the rising start point 24a in front of the leak-proof wall 21 is located in the vicinity of the elastic restoring part 6 and the rear rising start point 24b is located in the vicinity of the rear elastic restoring part 6F, the rising start points 24a and 24b are not worn during wearing. The position is stable, and it is difficult for the leak-proof wall 21 to be twisted or to fall down toward the central absorbent portion 5F and the rear central absorbent portion 5G.
[0152]
In addition, when a sanitary short is worn with an elastic member along the groove of the buttock from the crotch cloth toward the back body, the rear center absorbent portion 5G is moved into the groove of the buttock by the force of the elastic member. It is pushed toward. At this time, the first rear crimping portions 15F and 15F and the second rear crimping portions 18F and 18F are located on both sides of the rear center absorption portion 5G, and each of them functions as a flexible shaft, so that the push received from the underwear Due to the force, the rear center absorption portion 5G is easily brought into close contact with the collar portion.
[0153]
FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a sanitary napkin 1G according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0154]
Although the sanitary napkin 1G shown in FIG. 11 has a hip guard part in the back, the dimension of a vertical direction is a little shorter than the sanitary napkin 1F shown in FIG.
[0155]
The pattern shape of the crimping portion 10G is the same as that shown in FIG. 10 except that the second crimping portions 12F and 12F and the second rear crimping portions 18F and 18F are continuous. Since the sanitary napkin 1G also has the elastic restoring parts 6 and 6 on both sides of the central absorbent part 5, it can exhibit a restoring force against external deformation.
[0156]
The linear distance between the rising start point 24a in front of the leak-proof wall 21 and the front end 12a of the second crimping part 12F is 45 mm or less, preferably 40 mm or less, more preferably 25 mm or less. The shortest linear distance between the rear rising start point 24b and the second rear crimping portion 18F is also 45 mm or less, preferably 25 mm or less. However, as shown in FIG. 11, in the embodiment in which the rising start point 24b is located between the second rear crimping portion 18F and the right edge 1a, the linear distance can be considerably shortened and can be 15 mm or less. It is.
[0157]
Therefore, each of the rising start points 24a and 24b, particularly the rear rising start point 24b, is firmly reinforced by the rear elastic restoring portion 6F, and the leakage preventing wall 21 is hardly twisted or tilted.
[0158]
FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a sanitary napkin 1H according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[0159]
The entire structure of the sanitary napkin 1H is the same as that of the sanitary napkin 1 except for the wing portion 18 shown in FIG.
[0160]
The crimping part 10H of the sanitary napkin 1H of FIG. 12 has arc-curved first crimping parts 11H, 11H and second arc-curved crimping parts 12H, 12H located outside thereof. The first crimping portions 11H and 11H and the second crimping portions 12H and 12H are formed at an equal distance. The portion sandwiched between the first crimping portion 11H and the first crimping portion 11H is the central absorbent portion 5H, and the portion sandwiched between the first crimping portions 11H and 11H and the second crimping portions 12H and 12H. Are elastic restoring portions 6H, 6H.
[0161]
The lateral crimping portions 13H and 13H located on the front and rear sides connect the second crimping portion 12H and the second crimping portion 12H. Therefore, the first crimping parts 11H and 11H and the elastic restoring parts 6H and 6H are located in a region surrounded by the second crimping parts 12H and 12H and the lateral crimping parts 13H and 13H.
[0162]
The front extension crimping portions 14H and 14H and the rear extension crimping portions 15H and 15H are formed continuously with the second crimping portions 12H and 12H.
[0163]
Even in this sanitary napkin 1H, the elastic restoring force in the lateral direction can be exhibited by the elastic restoring portions 6H and 6H.
[0164]
In this embodiment, the area surrounded by the second pressure bonding parts 12H and 12H and the lateral pressure bonding parts 13H and 13H is wider than the central absorption part 5H, so that the liquid absorption capacity in the surrounded area is as follows. Can be increased. Further, even when menstrual blood is given to the elastic restoring portions 6H and 6H between the first crimping portions 11H and 11H and the second crimping portions 12H and 12H, the menstrual blood is not contained in the enclosed region. The diffusion region can be limited, and it becomes easy to prevent the leakage of menstrual blood from the sanitary napkin 1H.
[0165]
FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a sanitary napkin 1J according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.
[0166]
This sanitary napkin 1J is the sanitary napkin 1E shown in FIG. 9 obtained by deforming the pattern of the crimping portion 10J. In this embodiment, the front extension crimping portions 14J and 14J and the rear extension crimping portions 15J and 15J are continuous before and after the second crimping portions 12J and 12J. And the 1st crimping | compression-bonding part 11J and the 1st crimping | compression-bonding part 11J are located inside the said continuous area | region, and the part pinched | interposed by the 1st crimping | compression-bonding part 11J and the 1st crimping | compression-bonding part 11J is located. It is the central absorption part 5J.
[0167]
Also in this embodiment, the compression recovery force in the lateral direction can be exhibited by the action of the elastic restoring portions 6J and 6J. Further, since the outer side of the central absorbent portion 5J is sandwiched between the second crimping portions 12J, 12J, the front extension crimping portions 14J, 14J, and the rear extension crimping portions 15J, 15J in the long longitudinal range, the elastic restoring portion 6J , 6J can be diffused in the longitudinal direction of the sanitary napkin 1J, and the effect of preventing side leakage can be enhanced.
[0168]
Next, a method for producing the sanitary napkin will be described.
In the following, a method for manufacturing the sanitary napkin 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described. However, the sanitary napkin of each of the above embodiments also changes the pattern of the crimping part or the first crimping part 11. It can manufacture similarly by changing the raw material interposed between the 2nd crimping | compression-bonding part 12, and.
[0169]
In the method for manufacturing the sanitary napkin 1, the absorbent layer 4 and the top sheet 3 are first stacked, and both members are bonded as necessary. Next, using the pressurizing member which has an embossing pattern, it pressurizes from the surface sheet 3 side, and forms the said crimping | compression-bonding part 10. FIG. Thereafter, the top sheet 3 is overlapped and joined. However, only the absorbent layer 4 may be pressed with an emboss pattern and sandwiched between the back sheet 2 and the top sheet 3. Further, pressurization by the emboss pattern may be performed from the outer surface side of the absorbent layer 4 (from the clothing side surface), or may be performed from both sides by the emboss pattern. However, below, the case where the thing which piled up the absorption layer 4 and the surface sheet 3 is pressurized with the embossing pattern from the surface of the surface sheet 3 is demonstrated.
[0170]
14A is a partial plan view showing the pressing member 100 from the pressing surface side, and FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 14A.
[0171]
The pressurizing member 100 is formed with an embossed convex portion 110 having a shape capable of transferring the pattern of the crimping portion 10 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 14, the embossed convex portion 110 in the vicinity of the horizontal reference line Ox-Ox in FIG. Only a part of the embossed convex part 110 forming the first pressure-bonding part 11 and the second pressure-bonding part 12 is shown.
[0172]
A first bottom portion 115 is formed on the left side of the embossed convex portion 110 shown in FIG. 14 so as to face the central absorbent portion 5 of the sanitary napkin 1, and a second bottom portion 117 facing the side end portion 7 is formed on the right side. Is formed. A depth from the vertex of the embossed convex portion 110 to the first low portion 115 is indicated by D2, and a depth from the vertex to the second low portion 117 is indicated by D3. The depths D2 and D3 may be the same, or the first bottom portion 115 facing the thick central absorption portion 5 may be deeper.
[0173]
In FIG. 14, the 1st convex part 111 for forming the 1st crimping | compression-bonding part 11 and the 2nd convex part 112 for forming the 2nd crimping | compression-bonding part 12 are shown. As shown in FIG. 14B, an absorption layer between the first pressure-bonding portion 11 and the second pressure-bonding portion 12 is provided between the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 112. A recess 116 for compression is formed. In this embodiment, the elastic restoring portion 6 is formed by the recess 116. A depth D1 from the apex to the bottom of the recess 116 is sufficiently shallower than the depths D2 and D3.
[0174]
A pressure portion 111a is provided at the tip of the first convex portion 111, and inclined surfaces 111b and 111b that gradually separate from the apex are formed on both sides thereof. Similarly, the pressurization part 111b is provided also in the front part of the 2nd convex part 112, and the inclined surfaces 112b and 112b are formed similarly. The inclined surfaces 111b and 112b may be steep slopes that continue to the bottom surface of the recess 116.
[0175]
And on the surface of the pressurizing part 111a and the pressurizing part 111b, the pressurizing surface 110a for forming the high-density crimping part 10a and the shallow groove 110b for forming the medium-density crimping part 10b are alternately arranged. Is formed. The pattern shapes of the pressing surface 110a and the shallow groove 110b are the same as the pattern shapes of the high-density crimping portion 10a and the medium-density crimping portion 10b.
[0176]
Moreover, in FIG. 1, the 1st crimping | compression-bonding part 11 in the part which the 2nd crimping | compression-bonding part 12 does not oppose, horizontal direction crimping | compression-bonding parts 13 and 13, front extension crimping parts 14 and 14, and back extension crimping parts 15 and 15 are shown. As shown in FIG. 14, the first convex portion 111 and the second convex portion 112 are not arranged side by side, but only the first convex portion 111 is the first bottom portion 115. And a shape rising from the second bottom portion 117.
[0177]
After the absorbent layer 4 and the top sheet 3 are laminated and both members are bonded as necessary, the outer surface of the absorbent layer 4 is applied with another pressing member having a flat surface, and the surface of the top sheet 3 is shown in FIG. The pressing member 100 is applied, and the absorbing layer 4 and the top sheet 3 are pressed with both pressing members. Moreover, the said pressurizing member is heated and pressurized as needed. As a result, the crimping part 10 as shown in FIG. 1 is transferred to the laminate, and a compressed groove along the pattern of the crimping part 10 is formed.
[0178]
At this time, since the absorbent layer 4 is pressurized by the concave portion 116 having the depth D1, the first pressure-bonding portion 11, the second pressure-bonding portion 12, the back sheet 2 and the surface are compressed in a state where the absorption layer is compressed with high density. It is packed between the sheet 3. That is, the absorption layer is sandwiched between the first pressure-bonding portion 11 and the second pressure-bonding portion 12 while being compressed by the concave portion 116 and compressed to a high density. At this time, the first pressure-bonding portion 11 and the second pressure-bonding portion 12 are sandwiched. Between the portion 12, the topsheet 3 is not loosened, and the topsheet 3 can contain a high-density absorbent layer.
[0179]
On the other hand, the first bottom portion 115 does not substantially pressurize the central absorbent portion 5, and even when pressurized, the pressure is slight. This is because of the relationship between the second bottom portion 117 and the side end portion 7. Is the same. In this way, an absorption layer compressed and sealed at a high density can be formed between the first pressure-bonding portion 11 and the second pressure-bonding portion 12, and the density is determined by the central absorption layer 5 and the side. It is sufficiently higher than the end 7.
[0180]
In each of the embodiments described above, this absorption layer is the elastic restoring layer 4B. Further, by forming an absorbing layer compressed at high density between the crimping part 11 and the crimping part 12, not the elastic restoring layer 4B but the deformed state of the sanitary napkin 1 shown in FIG. It can be made to function also as a support part which makes the absorption part 5 support from the bottom so that it closely_contact | adheres to a vaginal opening.
[0181]
The pressing member 100 and the pressing member having a flat surface can be configured as a surface structure of rolls facing each other, or can be configured as a flat pressing member. By providing the concave portion 116 as described above, the absorption layer sandwiched between the first pressure-bonding portion 11B and the second pressure-bonding portion 12B of the pressure-bonding portion dots as shown in FIG. Is possible.
[0182]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the present invention, when the compression force is relaxed in a state in which the compression force is relaxed while being attached to the crotch portion and receiving the compression force from the lateral direction, the ability to restore the central absorption portion in the width direction is increased. In addition, the deformed state such as twist can be easily recovered. Therefore, it becomes easy to always adhere to the excretion part of a body, and it becomes easy to prevent the side leakage of excretion fluid.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a sanitary napkin according to a first embodiment of an absorbent article of the present invention;
2A is a half cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 1 cut along line IIa-IIa, and FIG. 2B is a half cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 1 cut along line IIb-IIb. Figure,
3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 1 is attached to a crotch cloth of underwear;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a deformed state when a compressive force from a lateral direction is applied to a sanitary napkin and a crotch cloth for underwear;
FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing a deformed state when a compressive force from a lateral direction is applied to a sanitary napkin and a crotch cloth for underwear;
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a sanitary napkin according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a half sectional view showing a sanitary napkin according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 8A and 8B are plan views showing a sanitary napkin according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 8B and 8C are enlarged plan views showing the shapes of crimp dots,
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a sanitary napkin according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a sanitary napkin according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a sanitary napkin according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a sanitary napkin according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a sanitary napkin according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 14A and 14B show a pressure member for forming a crimping portion, in which FIG. 14A is a partial plan view, and FIG.
FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing a problem when a conventional sanitary napkin is attached to the crotch part;
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1J Sanitary napkin
1a Right edge
1b Left edge
1c Front edge
1d trailing edge
2 Back sheet
3 Surface sheet
4a 1st absorption layer
4b Second absorption layer
4c 3rd absorption layer
4A Central absorption layer
4B Elastic recovery layer
4C side edge absorption layer
5, 5A, 5F, 5H, 5J Central absorber
5G rear center absorption part
6, 6A, 6C, 6D, 6H, 6J Elastic restoration part
6F Rear elastic restoration part
7 Side edge
11, 11B, 11E, 11F, 11H, 11J First crimping part
12, 12B, 12E, 12F, 12H, 12J Second crimping part
13, 13A, 13F, 13H Sideways crimping part
15F 1st back crimping part
18F Second rear crimping part
18G Tip of second rear crimping part
21 Leakage barrier
24a, 24b Start point of leakage barrier
25, 25A Crotch cloth for underwear

Claims

In an absorbent article having a liquid-permeable surface sheet located on the skin side surface, a back sheet located on the clothing side surface, and an absorbent layer located between the top sheet and the back sheet,
From the center line extending in the longitudinal direction at a distance to the left and right sides, a second crimping intervals on the outer side of the first crimp portion and the first crimp portion which is crimped and at least the topsheet the absorbent layer was empty digits Each part is formed to extend in the vertical direction, and a central absorbent part having the absorbent layer is formed between the first pressure-bonding part on the right side and the first pressure-bonding part on the left side,
When the central absorbent portion is contracted laterally by an external force between the first and second crimp portions, a restoring force from the contraction is exerted on the central absorbent portion. An absorbent article , wherein an elastic restoring part to be acted is formed, and the elastic restoring part has a higher density layer than the absorbent layer .

Wherein the elastic restoring portion between the first crimp portion and the second crimp portion and topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the absorbing layer is sandwiched compressed.

In the elastic restoring portion, the absorbent layer formed of hydrophilic fibers and the nonwoven fabric formed of synthetic fibers are compressed together between the first pressure-bonding portion, the second pressure-bonding portion, and the topsheet and the backsheet. the absorbent article of claim 1 wherein sandwiched Te.

The absorptive article according to claim 3 in which said absorption layer and said nonwoven fabric are crimped together by said 1st press-fit part.

The absorbent article according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the nonwoven fabric is an air-through nonwoven fabric.

In an absorbent article having a liquid-permeable surface sheet located on the skin side surface, a back sheet located on the clothing side surface, and an absorbent layer located between the top sheet and the back sheet,
A first pressure-bonding part that presses the topsheet and the absorbent layer at least on the left and right sides from a center line extending in the vertical direction, and a second pressure-bonding that is spaced outside the first pressure-bonding part. Each part is formed to extend in the vertical direction, and a central absorbent part having the absorbent layer is formed between the first pressure-bonding part on the right side and the first pressure-bonding part on the left side,
When the central absorbent portion is contracted laterally by an external force between each of the first crimp portion and the second crimp portion, a restoring force from the contraction is exerted on the central absorbent portion. is formed an elastic restoring portion to act, wherein the elastic restoring portion, and characterized in that the reinforcing member to exert an elastic force provided with compressed the absorbent layer, or the only reinforcing members are provided Absorbent article.

Each of the elastic restoring portions has the narrowest facing distance at the position of the horizontal reference line, and is formed so as to gradually move away from the center line as it moves away from the horizontal reference line to both sides in the vertical direction. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 6 .

The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the elastic restoring portion has a curved line shape in which a convex side is directed to the center line.

The absorptivity according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the elastic restoring portion has a portion in which the first crimping portion and the second crimping portion are equidistant and the width dimension is constant. Goods.

The absorbent article has both side edges extending in the vertical direction, and a side end is formed between each of the second pressure-bonding parts and the side edge, and the side end is formed in the vertical direction. The absorptive article according to any one of claims 1 to 9 in which elastic contraction force is acting.

The body surface, the sheet extending in the longitudinal direction are spaced laterally empty only, this sheet is fixed to the skin surface in front and rear portions, stand up the in the intermediate portion the sheet from the skin-side surface Te forms the leakage preventing walls, at least one of the rising start point of the rising start point and backward in front of the leakage preventing wall is in the second crimp portion claims 1 to 10 positioned in the vicinity of the The absorbent article in any one.

The absorbent article according to claim 11 , wherein the rising start point is located in the vicinity of an end portion of the second crimping portion.

A first rear pressure-bonding portion in which the lateral facing interval gradually decreases toward the rear edge of the absorbent article continuously with each of the first pressure-bonded portions, the first rear pressure-bonded portion, and the a second rear crimping unit the first rear crimping portion and the gap is empty only by formed between the side edge portion is provided,
The body surface, the sheet extending in the longitudinal direction are spaced laterally empty only, this sheet is fixed to the skin surface in front and rear portions, stand up the in the intermediate portion the sheet from the skin-side surface A leak-proof wall is formed, a rising start point in front of the leak-proof wall is positioned in the vicinity of the first pressure-bonding portion, and a stand-up start point behind the leak-proof wall is the second rear pressure-bonding. The absorbent article in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 10 located in the vicinity of a part.

The absorptive article according to claim 13 whose rise starting point in the back of said leak-proof wall is located near the front end of said 2nd back crimping part.

The neighborhood, absorbent article according to any one of claims 11 to 14 is within a distance of 45 mm.

The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 15 , which is used as a sanitary napkin.

From a center line extending in the longitudinal direction, having a liquid-permeable surface sheet located on the skin side surface, a back sheet located on the clothing side surface, and an absorbent layer located between the top sheet and the back sheet at a distance to the left and right sides, extend to at least the topsheet and the first crimp portion and the first second crimp portion is longitudinally respectively apart outer empty digits of the crimp portion which is crimped and the absorbent layer In the method of manufacturing an absorbent article formed by
A first projecting portion disposed a predetermined distance empty only by a second convex portion located on an outer side than each of the first protrusion, the first protrusion and the second protrusion The first convex portion having a depth D2 between the first convex portion and the concave portion having a depth D1 from the apex of the first convex portion, and being between the first convex portion and the first convex portion. And a pressure member that has D1 <D2 and D1 <D3, wherein the depth is D2 and the second bottom is located outside the first protrusions.
While pressing at least the absorption layer from the skin side surface with the pressing member, the first convex portion is formed by the first convex portion, and the second crimp portion is formed by the second convex portion. The concave portion pressurizes the absorbent layer positioned between the first crimping portion and the second crimping portion and has a higher density than the portion of the absorbent layer facing the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface. The manufacturing method of the absorbent article characterized by compressing into 2 parts.

The method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 17, wherein the first bottom part and the second bottom part do not substantially pressurize the absorbent article.