JP5933973B2 - Absorbent articles - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an absorbent article such as a disposable diaper, and particularly to an absorbent article that can visually recognize the presence or absence of excretion.

  Conventionally, some absorbent articles such as disposable diapers are provided with an indicator portion that changes color by contact with excretory fluid between a back sheet and an absorbent body, and the color change is visible from the outside. Usually, the excreted liquid permeates through the absorbent core in the absorbent body and a covering sheet (also referred to as a mount) covering the outside thereof and comes into contact with the indicator part. As a result, discoloration of the indicator portion occurs, and an appropriate replacement time can be determined. For example, in Patent Document 1, a hydrophilic composition capable of discoloration is disposed between a portion where the backing sheet covering the absorbent core intersects and overlaps with the back sheet. Diapers are listed. Due to the overlapping portion of the mount, the composition is less likely to bleed or blur due to contact with urine, so that the visibility of discoloration can be improved. Patent Document 2 describes a diaper in which a liquid-permeable intermediate sheet is disposed between an absorbent core and a discolorable composition. Thereby, coloring of the absorptive core which may arise by contact with the said composition and urine can be suppressed.

JP 2004-337384 A JP 2007-252659 A

  The above-described conventional technology is a technology related to discoloration during urination. On the other hand, discoloration may occur in the indicator part even though there is no urination or the like. For example, there is a case where the water-absorbing polymer comes into contact with the indicator part containing moisture due to environmental conditions or the like before wearing the diaper. The water-absorbing polymer is easily fixed inside the absorber when moisture is contained during the production of the absorber, but may be fluidized in the absorber due to some impact or the like. The water-absorbing polymer may leak out of the absorber and come into direct contact with the indicator part. Moreover, even if it exists in an absorber, the fluidized water-absorbing polymer may contact indirectly with an indicator part via the coating sheet of the non-skin contact surface side. Such a situation is more likely to occur when the absorbent material is thinned to reduce the fiber material and increase the amount of the water-absorbing polymer. When the water-absorbing polymer containing moisture is in direct or indirect contact with the indicator part, extremely minute discoloration occurs in a mottled manner. As measures against this, increasing the number of laminated members or increasing the amount of adhesive used to prevent leakage of the water-absorbing polymer may adversely inhibit quick discoloration of the indicator due to urination, and both are desired.

  In view of the above points, it is an object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article that can prevent unnecessary discoloration by preventing contact between the water-absorbing polymer and the indicator unit while maintaining quick discoloration performance during urination. And Moreover, this invention makes it a subject to provide the manufacturing method of the absorbent article which can suppress a discoloration appropriately, maintaining discoloration performance.

  The present invention is an absorbent article comprising a top sheet disposed on the skin contact surface side, a back sheet disposed on the non-skin contact surface side, and an absorber disposed between both sheets, Between the back sheet and the absorbent body, an indicator part that visually changes by contact with liquid is disposed, and the absorbent body includes an absorbent core having a fiber material and a water absorbent polymer, and the absorbent core. A cover sheet covering an outer surface of the absorbent core, and a cross-sectional view of the absorbent body in the width direction, the cover sheet covering the non-skin contact surface side from the skin contact surface side of the absorbent core And a closed mouth portion that is continuous with the bag-like portion and located outside the bag-like portion, and the closed mouth portion has both end portions of the covering sheet on the non-skin contact surface side of the absorbent core. It is joined and folded by a palm fold, and the closing mouth portion is provided with the indicator portion. Is arranged a region to cover all, between the closed mouth portion and the bag portion has not been the entire surface bonding, to provide an absorbent article having a void at least in part.

  In the present invention, the absorbent core is placed on the cover sheet raw material that is continuously carried out, both ends in the width direction of the cover sheet raw material are lifted and folded on the absorbent core. A hot melt adhesive is applied to each of the opposing surfaces and joined to form a bag-like portion, and the joined ends are folded along the bag-like portion to form a closed mouth portion to obtain the absorbent body. An indicator for applying a hot melt composition containing a mixture of a color indicator and an adhesive component to a continuously conveyed back sheet original and further cooling and solidifying A hot melt adhesive is intermittently applied on the outer side in the width direction of the indicator part on the back sheet original sheet on which the indicator part is formed, and the closing is performed by the hot melt adhesive of the back sheet. It said closed port root portion and said closed extraoral lateral edge of the mouth to provide a method of manufacturing an absorbent article having a lamination step of fixing by placing the absorbent body so as to be joined to the backsheet.

  The absorbent article of the present invention has an excellent effect of preventing unnecessary discoloration by preventing contact between the water-absorbing polymer and the indicator part while maintaining quick discoloration performance during urination. Moreover, the manufacturing method of the absorbent article of this invention has the outstanding effect that it can obtain the absorbent article which can suppress a discoloration appropriately while maintaining discoloration performance.

It is a partial notch expansion | deployment top view which shows typically the state which expand | deployed the expansion | deployment type disposable diaper as one Embodiment in the absorbent article of this invention from the non-skin surface side (back surface sheet side). It is an expanded sectional view of the II-II line section of Drawing 1, and is a width direction sectional view. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged sectional view of FIG. 2. It is the partial expanded sectional view typically shown about the other preferable aspect of the closing part which concerns on this embodiment. It is an expanded sectional view of the VV line section of Drawing 1, and is a longitudinal direction sectional view along the width direction center line C1 of diaper 10. It is the figure which showed typically the diaper using the form of the conventional absorber, (A) is width direction sectional drawing, (B) is longitudinal direction sectional drawing. It is width direction sectional drawing which showed typically the modification of the absorber which concerns on this embodiment. It is the figure which showed another modification of the absorber which concerns on this embodiment, (A) is a top view of an absorber, (B) is arrangement | positioning with the absorber of (A), and an indicator part FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3 schematically showing the relationship. It is the elements on larger scale equivalent to Drawing 3 showing typically another modification of an absorber concerning this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed the outline | summary of the principal part as a manufacturing process of the expansion | deployment type disposable diaper of this embodiment about the manufacturing method of the absorbent article of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed typically the formation process of the closing part 52 in the absorber which concerns on the expansion | deployment type disposable diaper of this embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows typically the form of the diaper manufactured in the Example and the comparative example.

A preferred embodiment of an absorbent article according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, an outline of the disposable diaper 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the disposable diaper 10 of the present embodiment includes a liquid-permeable surface sheet 1 disposed on the skin contact surface side, and a moisture permeable and liquid impermeable surface disposed on the non-skin contact surface side. Back sheet 2 and an absorbent body 3 interposed between the two sheets. The top sheet 1 and the back sheet 2 are substantially vertically long. The absorber 3 has a substantially vertically long hourglass shape in which the length in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) and the width direction (X direction) is slightly shorter than these, and is bound inward in the vicinity of the center in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent body 3 is disposed substantially in the center with its longitudinal direction coinciding with the longitudinal direction of the top sheet 1 and the back sheet 2. These topsheet 1, backsheet 2 and absorber 3 are joined by a hot melt adhesive or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the absorbent body 3 is composed of an absorbent core 4 that absorbs and holds liquid and a covering sheet 5. The absorptive core 4 contains a fiber material 41 and a water-absorbing polymer 42 and is mixed and stacked. The covering sheet 5 covers the outer surface in order to maintain the shape of the absorbent core 4. In addition, between the back sheet 2 and the absorbent body 3, three indicator portions 6 (6 a, 6 b, 6 c) are located from the crotch C to the ventral side F and the back side R near the center in the width direction of the diaper 10. (See FIGS. 1 and 2). The length of the indicator portion 6 in the longitudinal direction is shorter than the length of the absorber 3. The indicator unit 6 has a function of visually changing by contact with the liquid. By arranging the indicator part 6 between the back sheet 2 and the absorber 3, it is easy to come into contact with liquid such as urine excreted around the crotch part C, and the visual change of the indicator part 6 occurs with good timing. obtain. With this visual change, urination and the like can be recognized from the outside even while the diaper 10 is worn. In the present invention, “visual change” or “color change” means a color change from one color to another, a color disappearance from colored to colorless, and a color expression from colorless to colored by contact with a liquid. It is. In addition, the structure and arrangement | positioning relationship of the coating sheet 5 and the indicator part 6 of the absorber 3 in this embodiment are mentioned later.

  On the skin surface side of the top sheet 1, a pair of side sheets 7, 7 are arranged from both sides in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) toward the outside in the width direction (X direction). On the non-skin contact surface side of the back sheet 2, an exterior sheet 8 made of a nonwoven fabric is disposed so as to cover the entire surface. By this exterior sheet 8, the outer side of the diaper 10 has a soft touch and texture. The lengths in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the side sheets 7 and the exterior sheet 8 are approximately the same as the lengths in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the top sheet 1 and the back sheet 2, respectively. Furthermore, the side sheet 7 and the exterior sheet 8 protrude outward in the width direction (X direction) from the top sheet 1 and the back sheet 2 at the abdominal side F and the back side R, and are joined by a hot melt adhesive or the like. Thereby, the external shape of the disposable diaper 10 shown in FIG. 1 is formed. The diaper 10 is disposed on the abdomen side F disposed on the wearer's belly side when worn, the crotch part C disposed on the crotch portion of the wearer, and the wearer's dorsal side in plan view of the unfolded state. The crotch part C has an hourglass shape in which the crotch part C is bound inward in the width direction.

  An elastic member 71 is disposed on the inner end of the side seat 7 near the center in the width direction. When the diaper 10 is mounted, the elastic member 71 contracts, and a leak-proof cuff 72 is formed in the crotch portion C. Further, elastic members 73 are arranged on the outer sides of the side seats 7 in the width direction, and leg gathers 74 are formed. Further, a plurality of elastic members 13 extending in the width direction are disposed in the vicinity of the end in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 10. Due to the expansion and contraction of the elastic members 13, 71 and 73, the diaper 10 fits well following the body shape change caused by the wearer's movement or the like, and can effectively prevent side leakage of liquid or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the back side flap part 17 and the ventral side flap which the side sheet 7 and the exterior sheet | seat 8 were laminated | stacked on the belly side part F and the back side part R of the diaper 10, and protruded outward in the width direction A portion 18 is formed. A fastening tape 19 is provided on the back flap portion 17. The diaper can be mounted and fixed by sticking this tape 19 to a tape applying part (not shown) provided on the ventral flap part 18. At this time, the center of the diaper in the longitudinal direction is gently bent inward, and the absorbent body 3 is worn so as to extend from the wearer's buttocks to the lower abdomen. As a result, excreta is absorbed and held in the absorber 3 accurately. In the diaper 10 of this embodiment, you may provide a functional structure part, a sheet | seat material, etc. further.

  In the present invention, unless otherwise specified, the surface in contact with the human body is referred to as the skin side surface or skin contact surface or surface, and the opposite surface is referred to as the non-skin surface or non-skin contact surface or back surface. Of these two surfaces, the side close to the skin side or the extending direction is called the skin side, the skin contact surface side or the surface side, and the side close to the non-skin surface or the extending direction is the non-skin side, non-skin It is called the contact side or the back side. The direction positioned on the front side of the human body when worn is referred to as the front, and its end is referred to as the front end, and the direction positioned on the rear is referred to as the rear, and the end is referred to as the rear end. The normal direction of the front or back surface of the absorbent article is called the thickness direction, and the amount is called thickness. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the direction from the abdominal side to the back side in the plan view of the absorbent article is referred to as the longitudinal direction or the longitudinal direction (Y direction), and is orthogonal to the longitudinal (longitudinal) direction. The direction is referred to as the width direction (X direction). The vertical direction typically coincides with the front-rear direction of the human body when worn.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3 and 4, the structure and arrangement | positioning relationship of the coating sheet 5 and the indicator part 6 of the absorber 3 in the diaper 10 are explained in full detail. In FIG. 3, only the cross section in the width direction (X direction) of the absorber 3, the indicator section 6, the back sheet 2 and the exterior sheet 8 is shown in an enlarged manner.
As described above, the three indicator sections 6 are arranged between the back sheet 2 and the absorber 3. The indicator part 6b is arranged near the center line C1 in the width direction (X direction) of the diaper 10, and the indicator parts 6a and 6c are arranged at equal intervals in the left-right width direction. A width direction region from the end of the indicator portion 6a to the end of the indicator portion 6c is referred to as an indicator region 61. The indicator part 6 is formed using the hydrophilic composition containing the coloring indicator which a color changes with a change of pH, for example. As a method for arranging the indicator section 6, a method used for this type of article can be adopted. For example, a method in which a discolorable material such as the composition is directly applied to the back sheet 2 or the covering sheet 5 of the absorbent body 3, or a sheet member such as tissue paper or a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is applied or impregnated. The method of interposing etc. is mentioned. In this embodiment, from the viewpoint of preventing unnecessary discoloration of the indicator section 6 as will be described later, the back surface sheet 2 is applied to the surface facing the absorber 3 (non-skin contact surface). In the present invention, the number and interval of the indicator sections 6 are not limited to those of the present embodiment, and can be arbitrarily set according to the use, the size of the article, and the like. In accordance with this setting, the range of the indicator area 61 also changes.

  The diaper 10 is worn and receives a large amount of urination due to a urination point p slightly closer to the stomach side of the crotch C. The urination point p shown in FIG. 1 is a position in the case of men, and in the case of women, it is a position slightly closer to the center in the vertical direction. Here, the excretion point p means a region where the wearer first receives urine when the wearer wears the disposable diaper 10 and its periphery. Therefore, it is preferable that the above-described closing portion 52 and indicator region 61 are arranged so as to cover the center line C1 in the width direction and to cover the urination point p in the vertical direction and the periphery thereof.

  The absorber 3 consists of the absorptive core 4 and the coating sheet 5 as mentioned above. The absorbent core 4 is a mixed fiber in which a water-absorbing polymer 42 is mixed between fibers of the fiber material 41 (see FIG. 3). Examples of the shape of the water-absorbing polymer 42 include a fibrous form in addition to the particulate form shown in FIG. When the water-absorbing polymer 42 is in the form of particles, there are an indeterminate type, a block type, a bowl type, a spherical agglomeration type, a spherical type and the like due to the difference in shape, and any of these can be arbitrarily adopted. The particle size can also be set arbitrarily. The water-absorbing polymer 42 contains a very small amount of water to cause viscosity, and is stably fixed between the fiber materials 41. In the absorbent core 4, the constituent ratio between the fiber material 41 and the water-absorbing polymer 42 can be arbitrarily set depending on the use or size of the article.

  The covering sheet 5 has a length that substantially matches the longitudinal direction (Y direction) length of the absorbent core 4 and covers both side surfaces in the width direction (X direction) from the skin contact surface side of the absorbent core 4. Furthermore, it is joined to the non-skin contact surface side. Thereby, the shape of the absorptive core 4 becomes easy to be maintained. More specifically, the covering sheet 5 has a bag-like portion 51 and a closed mouth portion 52 located outside the bag-like portion 51 in a cross-sectional view of the absorbent body 3 in the width direction (X direction). The bag-like portion 51 is a portion that comes into contact with and covers the outer surface of the absorbent core 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the closing opening 52 is composed of left and right end portions 5 a and 5 b (end portions of the bag-like portion 51) of the covering sheet 5 extending from the left and right width direction ends of the absorbent core 4. Yes. Both end portions 5a and 5b of the covering sheet 5 are joined and folded together on the outside of the bag-like portion 51 so that the surfaces facing the absorbent core 4 face each other. By this joining, both end portions 5a and 5b are integrated, and the bag-like portion 51 is sealed. Then, the flat portion of the cover sheet 5 that is folded in the palm (the flat portion of the end portion 5 b in FIG. 3) is folded along the bag-like portion 51 so as to face the indicator portion 6, thereby forming the closed mouth portion 52. The closed mouth portion 52 is connected to the bag-like portion 51 at the closed mouth root portion 54 (see FIG. 3). The closing lip portion 54 is slightly lifted from the bag-like portion 51 by palm-folding.

  Thus, the closing mouth part 52 protrudes outward from the bag-like part 51, and literally seals the bag-like part 51 and closes the mouth. In the closed mouth portion 52, both the end portions 5 a and 5 b of the covering sheet 5 are structured so as not to enter the bag-like portion 51, and the leakage of the water absorbent polymer 42 is hardly induced. Thereby, the leakage of the water-absorbing polymer 42 scattered in the absorbent core 4 is effectively suppressed. In addition, the bag-shaped part 51 and the closing mouth part 52 are formed from the continuous coating sheet 5, and the boundary should just be determined functionally based on said division. The “joint fold” is to fold two sheet surfaces facing each other so that both hands are aligned, and the opposite surfaces of the two end portions 5a and 5b of the covering sheet 5 to the absorbent core 4 are the absorbent core 4. This means that they are raised at an angle from the horizontal plane and are opposed to each other in a planar shape.

  The closing mouth portion 52 is disposed so as to cover the entire indicator region 61 where the three indicator portions 6 (6a, 6b, 6c) are disposed. That is, a three-layer structure (two layers of the closing mouth portion 52 and one layer of the bag-like portion 51) is interposed between the indicator portion 6 and the absorbent core 4. Thereby, the indicator part 6 can be physically separated from the water absorbing polymer 42, and the contact opportunity of both can be suppressed. As this contact opportunity, for example, in the case where the water-absorbing polymer 42 is fluidized on the non-skin contact surface side of the absorbent core 4 in the bag-like portion 51, it further leaks to the outside of the absorbent body 3 and directly contacts it. There is an opportunity to do this. In addition, there may be various contact opportunities such as a chance that a minute amount of water contained in the fluidized water-absorbing polymer 42 penetrates the cover sheet 5 from the bag-like portion 51 and indirectly contacts the indicator portion 6. The water content of the water-absorbing polymer 42 can be considered variously, such as that contained when the absorbent core 4 was formed, or moisture absorbed from the outside air. With respect to the water-absorbing polymer 42 containing such moisture, the closing mouth portion 52 tightly seals the mouth of the bag-like portion 51 to confine the water-absorbing polymer 42. In addition, the closing port portion 52 can be interposed between the indicator portion 6 and the absorbent core 4 to keep the distance between them. Thereby, the direct thru | or indirect contact opportunity of the indicator part 6 and the water absorbing polymer 42 can be suppressed effectively. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent unnecessary discoloration of the indicator unit 6 that is different from the original excretion urine. And it is possible to avoid hygiene concerns and misunderstandings about quality that a user who holds a diaper may hold due to unnecessary discoloration.

From the viewpoint of suppressing the direct contact opportunity due to leakage of the water-absorbing polymer 42 among the contact opportunities described above, the indicator portion 6 is located at a position as far as possible from the outer edge 53 of the distal end of the closed mouth 52. There is preferably (see FIG. 3). More specifically, the outer edge of the diaper 10 from the edge of the indicator portion 6a to the outer edge 53 of the closing mouth (t ₂ ) from the widthwise center line C1 to the outer edge 53 of the closing mouth (= the tip of the closing mouth 52). The ratio (t ₄ / t ₂ ) of the length (t ₄ ) to the edge 53 is preferably 0.25 to 0.85, and more preferably 0.40 to 0.70. Thereby, it is possible to effectively suppress the chance of the indicator unit 6 being moved away from and contacted in the event of a leak of the water-absorbing polymer 42.
In addition, from the viewpoint of suppressing an indirect contact opportunity between the water-absorbing polymer 42 and the indicator portion 6 (contact opportunity with penetrating moisture) through the covering sheet 5, a closed mouth near the boundary with the bag-like portion 51. It is preferable that the indicator portion 6 is not in contact with the base portion 54 (see FIG. 3). More specifically, the outer edge of the closing root portion 54 from the end edge of the indicator portion 6c with respect to the length (t ₃ ) from the center line C1 in the width direction of the diaper 10 to the outer end edge of the closing mouth portion 54 The ratio (t ₅ / t ₃ ) of the length (t ₅ ) to the edge is preferably 0.25 to 0.85, and more preferably 0.40 to 0.70. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress the chance that a minute amount of moisture permeates from the closed root portion 54 where the water-absorbing polymer easily collects and contacts the indicator portion 6.

From the same viewpoint as described above, the length (s ₁ ) in the width direction (X direction) of the indicator region 61 in which the indicator portion 6 is disposed and the length (t ₁ ) in the width direction (X direction) of the closing mouth portion 52. )) (S ₁ / t ₁ ) (see FIG. 3) is preferably 0.15 to 0.75, more preferably 0.25 to 0.65. Further, the length (s ₂ ) from the center in the width direction of the indicator region 61 (= the center of the indicator portion 6b and the center line C1 in the width direction of the diaper 10) to the end portion of the indicator portion 6a and the closing portion 52 are closed. The ratio (s ₂ / t ₂ ) (see FIG. 3) to the length (t ₂ ) to the outer edge 53 is preferably 0.15 to 0.75, and more preferably 0.25 to 0.65. . Further, the length (s ₃ ) from the center in the width direction of the indicator region 61 (= the center of the indicator portion 6 b and the center C1 in the width direction of the diaper 10) to the end of the indicator portion 6 c and the closing mouth of the closing mouth portion 52. The ratio (s ₃ / t ₃ ) (see FIG. 3) to the length (t ₃ ) to the outer edge of the root portion 54 is preferably 0.15 to 0.75, and preferably 0.25 to 0.65. Is more preferable.

  Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing direct contact opportunities due to polymer leakage, another preferred embodiment of the closing port 52 may be folded as shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the outer edge 53 of the closing mouth is further folded toward the bag-like portion 51. In this embodiment, the closed mouth outer edge 53 is hidden without being exposed to the back sheet 2 side. Further, the closing opening 52 itself is wound in a spiral shape so that it is more difficult to leak. Further, the covering sheet 5 between the indicator portion 6 and the absorbent core 4 has a five-layer structure. This is preferable because both the direct contact opportunity due to leakage of the water-absorbing polymer 42 and the indirect contact opportunity due to moisture penetration can be more effectively suppressed.

  In the present embodiment, from the viewpoint of suppressing the contact opportunity described above, the closing mouth portion 52 is in a floating state without being joined to the bag-like portion 51 except for the closing mouth root portion 54. That is, the closed mouth portion 52 and the bag-like portion 51 are not joined to each other, and a gap (air layer 56) is formed. In the present invention, “entirely bonded” means that two opposing surfaces are bonded together without any gap, and “not fully bonded” means that the opposed surfaces are in close contact with a gap. Means not. Moreover, in this invention, it is not restricted to the aspect made into the non-joining substantially the whole surface like this embodiment as the state which the closing port part 52 and the bag-like part 51 are not made the whole surface joining. For example, by applying a hot melt adhesive in a spiral shape, it may be an intermittent joining form having a gap instead of solid coating. Thereby, permeation | transmission of the trace amount water | moisture content of the water absorbing polymer 42 can be avoided, and excretion urine can permeate | transmit timely. From the same point of view, it is also preferable that the closing port 52 is in a floating state without being joined to the indicator unit 6. However, even if the closed mouth portion 52 is in a floating state, the closed mouth portion 52 is connected and fixed to the bag-like portion 51 at the closed mouth root portion 54, unlike simply stacking members. Thereby, the displacement with respect to the indicator part 6 does not easily occur, and protection against unnecessary discoloration other than urination of the indicator part 6 can be effectively achieved.

  In the present embodiment, since the closed mouth portion 52 has the above structure, an air layer 56 is formed between the closed mouth portion 52 and the bag-like portion 51. By interposing this air layer 56, a minute amount of moisture that tends to move in the thickness direction is blocked by the capillary force between the fibers of the covering sheet 5, and it is difficult to reach the indicator portion 6. The air layer 56 is a space formed when the closed mouth portion 54 is slightly lifted by palm-folding and the other portion of the closed mouth portion 52 is not completely in close contact with the bag-like portion 51. Therefore, the air layer 56 is relatively easily maintained regardless of the storage state before use, and normally exhibits an effect that cannot be obtained by stacking three members. Further, even if the closed mouth portion 52 is partially in contact with the bag-like portion 51, the two-layer covering sheet 5 of the closed mouth portion 52 becomes a double barrier against a very small amount of moisture contained in the polymer. On the other hand, when a large amount of excreted liquid has migrated, the excreted liquid easily reaches the indicator section 6 as quickly as in the air layer 56, which is a minute space. As a result, the original function of the indicator unit 6 for displaying a timely sign for changing diapers is maintained. Thus, the closing part 52 in the diaper 10 can suppress the permeation of a trace amount of water contained in the water-absorbing polymer 42 before use, and can permeate the excretion liquid after use moderately. Excellent operational effects.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the closing mouth portion 52 is not fixed to the bag-like portion 51 and the indicator portion 6 at a portion other than the closing mouth root portion 54, and is thus relatively easy to move. This further acts to suppress the opportunity of contact of the water-absorbing polymer 42 with moisture on the indicator unit 6. This point will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 5, the closed mouth portion 52 is in a state of floating in a non-joined manner with the bag-like portion 51 in the longitudinal direction (X direction). Therefore, the closed mouth portion 52 is hardly affected by the rigidity of the thick absorbent core 4 on a wide surface other than the closed mouth root portion 54. As a result, even if an external force is applied to the absorbent body 3 and the absorbent core 4 is deformed, the closed mouth portion 52 is hardly affected as a whole. On the other hand, in the absorbent body 81 in the conventional diaper 80 as shown in FIG. 6, the covering sheet 83 forms a joint portion 83c and wraps the absorbent core 82 together, and both are integrated. That is, the entire joint surface (joint portion 83 c) of the both end portions 83 a and 83 b of the covering sheet 83 forms a part of the bag-like portion 84. Therefore, it is easily affected by the rigidity of the thick absorbent core 83 as it is. In this respect, the diaper 10 of the present embodiment is greatly different from the conventional diaper 80 and the like.
For example, the diaper is usually folded in two at the longitudinal center line C2 or folded in three along the longitudinal bisectors D1 and D2 and enclosed in a packaging bag so as to be compressed in a large number. In this case, the absorptive core 4 has a folding force toward the skin contact surface side along the two-fold line C2 and the three-fold lines D1 and D2 (in the direction of the arrows in FIGS. 5 and 6B). The closing portion 52 is hardly affected by the external force acting on the absorbent core 4 as it is. Since most of the closed mouth portions 52 are in a state of floating from the bag-like portion 51, it is difficult to interlock with the absorbent core 4. As a result, it is difficult for a direct shearing force to act on the joint portion of the facing surfaces 5c and 5d in the closed mouth portion 52, and peeling does not easily occur. In addition, since it is fixed at the closing root portion 54, it is difficult for displacement to occur. The action of the diaper 10 of this embodiment is an excellent action that cannot be obtained by the conventional absorbent body 81 that is easily affected by external force.

Next, from the viewpoint of suppressing the contact opportunity described above, a preferred joining mode related to the closing port portion 52 and the indicator portion 6 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, it is preferable that the indicator part 6 is fixed to the back sheet 2 so that the color indicator does not impregnate the absorber side. For example, if the color indicator is impregnated in the closed mouth portion 52, the distance from the water-absorbing polymer 42 is shortened, which is not preferable because the chance of contact is increased. Therefore, it is preferable that the indicator part 6 consists of a hot-melt composition containing the mixture of the said color indicator and an adhesive substance. By the adhesive substance, the color indicator can be fixed on the application surface and the penetration into the absorbent body can be prevented. And it is preferable to laminate | stack the said hot-melt composition with the absorber 3 in the state apply | coated to the back surface sheet 2, and solidified by cooling etc. Thereby, the fluidity | liquidity of the said adhesive substance itself is also suppressed, and the impregnation to the absorber 3 side of the said color indicator becomes further difficult to produce. The preferable formation process of the indicator part 6 and the preferable component of the said composition are mentioned later.

In addition, it is preferable that the ends 5a and 5b (see FIG. 3) of the covering sheet 5 constituting the closing opening 52 are joined as follows. It is necessary to close the bag-like portion 51 firmly so that the water-absorbing polymer 42 containing a small amount of moisture does not leak to the outside even if the water-absorbing polymer 42 containing a small amount of water is separated from the fiber material 41 and fluidized. Therefore, it is preferable that both ends 5a and 5b are tightly joined so as not to be separated even by an external force before use (for example, when the diaper 10 is packaged or put in and out during use). However, on the other hand, the closed mouth portion 52 needs to pass liquid such as excretion urine from the absorbent core 4 in a timely manner to reach the indicator portion 6. Therefore, for example, the application amount of the hot melt adhesive 52a is adjusted to such an extent that leakage of the water-absorbing polymer 42 is prevented and a large amount of liquid such as excreted urine can be easily permeated without permeating a small amount of water in the water-absorbing polymer 42. And it is preferable that the edge parts 5a and 5b of the coating sheet 5 are joined. From this viewpoint, the basis weight of the hot melt adhesive applied between the end portions 5a and 5b of the covering sheet 5 is preferably 1.0 to 10.0 g / m ² , and 2.0 to 5.0 g / m. ² is more preferable. As a joining method using this hot melt adhesive, a method of joining by coating with an entire surface by a contact coating method such as a slot coater or an intermittent pattern such as a stripe coating or a spiral pattern can be used.

  Further, even in the hot-melt adhesive 52a having the same basis weight as described above, the respective surfaces are pulled with adhesive force by applying to the opposing surfaces 5c and 5d (see FIG. 3) of the end portions 5a and 5b of the covering sheet 5, It can be fixed more firmly. This double-sided coating method is preferable from the viewpoint of achieving both the above-described prevention of polymer leakage and liquid permeation. Further, the hot-melt adhesive 52a applied between the opposing surfaces 5c and 5d is applied at the closed outer edge 53 and the closed root 54 and the indicator contact portion 55 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) therebetween. Different basis weights may be used. For example, from the viewpoint of preventing leakage of the water-absorbing polymer 42, the applied basis weight of the outer edge 53 of the closed mouth and the closed root portion 54 is increased, and the applied basis weight of the indicator contact portion 55 from the viewpoint of permeation of excreted urine. The amount may be smaller than that of the closing mouth outer edge 53 and the closing mouth root 54. For example, the indicator contact portion 55 is intermittently coated like spiral pattern coating, and the outer edge 53 of the closed mouth and the root portion 54 of the closed mouth are coated by slot coater, spray coating, curtain coating, etc. It is possible to use a substantially solid coating.

In addition, the fiber density of the covering sheet 5 is 0.05 to 0.2 g / cm ^{3 in} order to suppress the permeation of a small amount of moisture of the water-absorbing polymer 42 and cause a timely discoloration of the indicator unit 6 by liquid permeation due to urination. It is preferable that it is 0.1-0.2 g / cm < ³ >. By setting it to the above lower limit or more, the strength of the covering sheet 5 can be maintained and tearing during use can be prevented, and by setting it to the upper limit or less, liquid permeation is suitably performed without delay.

(Density measurement method)
A sample is prepared by cutting the coated sheet 5 into a size of 50 mm in length and 5 mm in width. Next, the mass of the sample is measured using an electronic balance (Electronic balance GR-300 manufactured by A & D, accuracy: 4 digits after the decimal point). Using a constant-pressure thickness meter, the sample thickness is measured, and the measured sample mass is divided by the volume of the sample (thickness × length × width) to calculate the density of all the materials in each region in each region. The measurement pressure of the low-pressure thickness gauge is 0.5 g / cm ² . The average density can be obtained by adjusting 10 samples at arbitrary locations and averaging them.

  Furthermore, the hot melt adhesive 52a applied to the closing port 52 is also solidified by cooling or the like in the previous stage of the assembly process of the member of the diaper 10 as in the solidification of the hot melt composition of the indicator unit 6 described above. It is preferable. That is, it is preferable that the diaper is assembled in a state where the fluidity of both hot melt agents is lost. As a result, the gap between the fibers is filled to some extent due to the solidification of the hot melt adhesive 52a in the closing portion 52, and the hot melt composition of the indicator portion 6 is difficult to be impregnated. Moreover, in the indicator part 6, a hot-melt composition is solidified and it is made difficult to enter even between the fibers of a few closed mouth parts 52, and the clearance gap between fibers is moderately maintained. As a result, the distance between the closed mouth portion 52 and the indicator portion 6 is maintained, and the chance of contact with a small amount of moisture can be effectively suppressed.

  In addition, as a joining mode of the member that suppresses the contact opportunity due to the leakage of the water-absorbing polymer 42 described above, a hot-melt adhesive 44 agent between the bag-like portion 51 in the vicinity of the closed root portion 54 and the absorbent core 4 (see FIG. 3). ) Can be mentioned. In this aspect, the connecting portion between the bag-like portion 51 and the closing port portion 52 is more reliably sealed, and leakage of the water-absorbing polymer 42 can be more effectively prevented. In addition, this embodiment is preferable because the water-absorbing polymer 42 hardly collects at the closed mouth root portion 54 and the moisture permeation hardly occurs.

  Similarly, it is preferable that the closing outer edge 53 and the closing root 54 of the closing portion 52 are joined to the back sheet 2 by the hot melt adhesive 21 arranged in a streak shape in the vertical direction. Thereby, leakage of the water-absorbing polymer 42 and moisture penetration of the water-absorbing polymer 42 can be more effectively suppressed. On the other hand, the indicator contact portion 55 and the indicator portion 6 of the closing port 52 are not joined, but the outer edge 53 and the closing root 54 of the closing port are fixed to the back sheet 2. The arrangement relationship between the contact portion 55 and the indicator portion 6 is difficult to shift, which is preferable from the viewpoint of preventing discoloration of the unnecessary indicator portion 6. In this case, even if a part of the closed mouth portion 52 is joined to the back surface sheet 2, it is integrated with the flexible back surface sheet 2 different from the thick absorbent core 4, and still from the bag-shaped portion 51. It is preferable that it is not easily affected by the rigidity of the absorbent core 4 in a floating state. In addition, although not shown, a plurality of hot melt adhesives are applied intermittently in the width direction in parallel with the outer side of the hot melt adhesive 21 so that the bag-like portion 51 and the back sheet 2 are coated. And may be joined.

Furthermore, in the diaper 10, as what assists the effect | action of the closing mouth part 52, you may have the absorptive core 4 as shown in FIG.7 and FIG.8-1 and FIG.8-2.
In the absorbent body shown in FIG. 7, the absorbent core 4 includes a mixed layer 45 of the fiber material 41 and the water-absorbing polymer 42 and a filter layer 46 made of only the fiber material. The single layer 46 is disposed on the non-skin contact surface side. Thereby, the water-absorbing polymer 42 is made difficult to spill between the non-skin contact surface side of the absorptive core 4 and the bag-like part 51 (covering sheet). Thereby, the above-mentioned operation of the closing mouth portion 52 can be enhanced more effectively. In addition, although not shown in the drawings, a three-layer structure in which a layer of only the water-absorbing polymer 42 is sandwiched between layers of only a fiber material is preferable because the above-described action of the closing port portion 52 can be enhanced.

  The absorbent body 3 shown in FIG. 8A includes an absorbent core 4 in which two slit portions 43 and 43 are formed in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) in a portion corresponding to the crotch C (FIG. 8). -1 (A)). The slit portion 43 penetrates from the non-skin surface side of the absorbent core 4 to the skin surface side. In the diaper using the absorbent body 3, as shown in FIG. 8-1 (B), the disposition of the water-absorbing polymer 42 in the crotch part C is reduced, and unnecessary discoloration at a portion where color change is most likely to occur during urination is performed. Can be suppressed. Further, the slit part 43 of the crotch part C is excellent in liquid permeability at the time of urination and brings about a timely discoloration of the indicator part 6. From the same viewpoint, as a modification of the absorbent body 3, as shown in FIG. 8B, the slit 43 may not be penetrated but may have a thin skin-like absorbent material portion on the skin surface side. The absorber shown in FIG. 8-2 is also preferable in that the liquid on the skin contact surface side can be efficiently drawn into the inside, and the liquid residue and liquid return can be effectively suppressed.

Next, the manufacturing method of the absorbent article of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 based on the manufacturing method of the deployable disposable diaper 10 of the present embodiment.
First, the absorber forming step 201 will be described. The absorbent core 4 is created using the stacking drum 91 and the duct 92. Specifically, an intake fan (not shown) inside the pile drum 91 is operated to generate a suction force in an accumulation recess (not shown) on the outer surface of the pile drum 91, and the product is loaded in the duct 92. An air flow that flows toward the outer peripheral surface of the fiber drum 91 is generated. Next, the fiber material 41 is introduced into the duct 92 so as to be scattered from the introduction port 93, and the water absorbent polymer 42 is introduced from the introduction port 94. The fiber material 41 and the water-absorbing polymer 42 are scattered toward the outer surface of the rotating fiber stack drum 91 and accumulated in the accumulation recess. In this way, the absorbent core 41 is formed. Next, the absorbent core 4 on the outer surface of the stacking drum 91 is released onto the covering sheet original fabric 59 that is continuously supplied onto the vacuum conveyor 96.

  Next, both ends (both ends in the CD (Cross Direction) direction) of the covering sheet original fabric 59 are lifted and folded into a palm. This point will be described with reference to FIG. 10, the cross section of the absorptive core 4 and the covering sheet original fabric 59 is shown. FIG. 10A shows a state before the absorbent core 4 is coated with the coated sheet original fabric 59. In this state, both ends 59a and 59b of the covering sheet original fabric 59 are lifted onto the absorbent core 4 to cover the side surface and the upper surface (surface on the non-skin contact surface side of the absorbent body) of the absorbent core 4. Then, the left and right ends 59a and 59b of the covering sheet original fabric 59 are aligned so as to rise from the absorbent core 4 (see FIG. 10B). At this time, since the length in the width direction of the covering sheet original fabric 59 is longer than the circumferential length in the cross section of the absorbent core 4, extra lengths are formed at the end portions 59 a and 59 b of the covering sheet original fabric 59. Next, the surplus length portion of the covering sheet original fabric 59 is folded and folded so as to stand up with respect to the absorbent core 4, and hot melt or the like is applied to both surfaces of the end portions 59a and 59b to be joined and integrated (this stage) The joint portion is referred to as a palm-folded fold portion 58). As a result, a bag-like portion 51 whose mouth is closed is formed (see FIG. 10C). Subsequently, it is folded at the folding base point 57 to form the closed mouth portion 52 along the bag-like portion 51 (see FIG. 10D).

In the absorbent body forming step 201 of the present embodiment, both end portions 59a and 59b of the covering sheet original fabric 59 are lifted and integrated, so that the bag-like portion 51 can be reliably sealed. Also, by this lifting, it is possible to reliably apply hot melt adhesive or the like to both end portions 59a and 59b. In other words, in the continuous formation of the absorbent body, the above-described lifting prevents the risk of member blurring and displacement during continuous conveyance on the conveyor 96, and is continuously conveyed with the long covering sheet original 59. The absorptive core 4 can be accurately aligned to enable reliable sealing of the absorptive core 4. A folding guide can be used as the lifting processing means.
In addition, what is important in the formation of the closing portion 52 is that the closing portion 52 sufficiently covers the indicator region 61 in a post-process (stacking step 203 (see FIG. 9)) of placing the absorber 3 on the back sheet 2. The width and arrangement can be. This can be achieved by adjusting the length (q) of the folding base point 57 and the palm folding part 58, and can be easily controlled by the lifting process. Thereby, the closing mouth part 52 can avoid the closing mouth outer edge 53 and the closing mouth root part 54, and can cover the indicator area | region 61 completely. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to set an equal width (t ₂ = t ₃ ) from the center line C1 in the width direction of the absorber 3 (= the center line of the diaper 10) to the left and right. Further, in the subsequent lamination step 203, the width direction center line of the absorbent body 3 is made to coincide with the width direction center line of the back sheet original fabric 29 (= the center line of the diaper 10). It is also possible to achieve a preferable ratio with (s ₁ , s ₂ , s ₃ ). Therefore, the folding base point 57 is provided at a position deviated from the center in the width direction of the absorbent core 4. Further, the coated sheet original fabric 59 has a sufficient width so that the required length can be folded at the ends 59a and 59b even if the folding base point 57 is biased. In forming the closing opening 52, the absorbent core 4 may be placed near the center of the covering sheet original fabric 59 in the width direction so that an excessive end portion of the covering sheet original fabric 59 is cut off at the time of palm-folding. Alternatively, the closing core 52 may be formed by placing the absorbent core 4 in a position deviated from the center in the width direction of the covering sheet fabric 59 with the folding base point 57 in mind.

  Further, in the absorbent body forming step 201, the step of solidifying the hot melt adhesive or the like applied at the time of forming the closing port 52 by the cooling means 95, and the covering sheet original fabric 59 are set to a predetermined length (MD (Machine Direction) direction length). The absorber 3 is obtained by carrying out the cutting step and the pressing step (not shown) in any order. The obtained absorbent body 3 is turned upside down and transferred to the conveyor 97. By solidifying the hot melt adhesive at this point, impregnation of the composition of the indicator part 6 can be suppressed in the laminating process 203 which is a subsequent process, and the contact opportunity with the indicator part 6 due to the penetration of moisture can be suppressed. preferable. Examples of the cooling means 95 include air blow (blowing air) and the like (the same applies to the cooling means 99 described later).

  Next, the indicator part formation process 202 is demonstrated. First, the back sheet original fabric 29 is continuously conveyed from a back sheet original roll 29a wound with a long back sheet original 29, and the width direction (CD direction) of the back sheet original 29 by the indicator coating means 98. An indicator composition is applied in the vicinity of the center. In this embodiment, it consists of a hot melt composition containing a mixture of a color indicator and an adhesive substance, and a slot coater coating device, a spray coating device, a curtain coating device, or the like can be used. Next, the indicator part 6 is formed by solidifying the applied hot melt composition by the cooling means 99. By solidifying the hot melt composition at this time, it becomes difficult for the hot melt composition to be impregnated in the closed mouth portion 52 in the laminating step 203 which is a subsequent step, and contact with the indicator portion 6 due to the penetration of moisture described above. Opportunity can be suppressed, which is preferable. In addition, this indicator part formation process 202 and the absorber formation process 201 are made | formed substantially separately. As long as the hot melt agent of the closing mouth portion 52 and the indicator portion 6 is sufficiently solidified by the laminating step 203, which is a subsequent step, the order thereof is not limited and may be simultaneously advanced.

  Next, the lamination process 203 for mounting and bonding the absorber 3 to the back sheet original fabric 29 will be described. First, the hot melt adhesive for joining to the absorber 3 is applied along the longitudinal direction (MD direction) by the hot melt adhesive application means 100 to the back sheet original fabric 29 on which the indicator portion 6 is formed. Applied. A plurality of strips are intermittently applied on the outer side in the width direction of the hot melt adhesive so as not to overlap the indicator portion 6 and to run in parallel therewith. In that case, it is preferable to be at a position that contacts at least the outer edge 53 of the absorbent body 3 and the closing root portion 54 of the absorber 3. Thereby, the contact opportunity of the above-mentioned water-absorbing polymer 42 and the indicator part 6 can be suppressed more effectively. And before the said hot-melt-adhesive is solidified, the absorber 3 is mounted and joined. At this time, the absorbent body 3 is arranged so that the center line in the width direction of the absorbent body 3 coincides with the center line in the width direction of the back sheet original fabric 29 so that the indicator part 6 is covered with the closed mouth part 52.

  Thereafter, necessary members such as the top sheet 1, the side sheet 7, the exterior sheet 8, and the elastic members 13, 71, 73 are laminated and bonded to the laminate of the back sheet 2 and the absorbent body 3, and a desired structure is obtained. The diaper 10 is obtained by cutting into dimensions and shapes. In addition, lamination | stacking of each member, joining, and cutting can be implemented along a normal process using the method used for the manufacturing method of this kind of articles | goods.

Below, the preferable structural material of the member which comprises the diaper 10 of this embodiment is demonstrated.
As a material for forming the absorbent body 3, those normally used for absorbent articles can be used. For example, as the fiber material 41 constituting the absorbent core 4, hydrophilic natural fibers such as fiber materials, synthetic fibers (preferably subjected to hydrophilic treatment), and the like can be used. The basis weight is not particularly ^limited, preferably ^{150g / m 2 ~500g / m 2} . As the water-absorbing polymer 42, various polymer materials usually used for this type of article can be used. The water-absorbing polymer 42 is preferably a superabsorbent polymer compound having a performance capable of absorbing and retaining water or physiological saline 20 times or more of its own weight. As the covering sheet 5, thin paper (thin paper) such as hydrophilic tissue paper, non-woven fabric made of hydrophilic fibers such as cotton and rayon, non-woven fabric made by subjecting synthetic resin fibers to hydrophilic treatment (SMS, SMMS) , Composite nonwoven fabrics such as SSMS) can be used.

The color change indicator contained in the hydrophilic composition constituting the indicator section 6 is preferably one that changes its color at a pH of 3 to 7, and examples thereof include bromophenol blue, methyl orange, alizarin S, bromocresol green. , Methyl red, bromocresol purple and the like, but are not limited thereto. Particularly preferred among these color indicators are bromophenol blue, bromocresol green, bromocresol purple, and the like. These color indicators are preferably 0.01 to 50% by weight, more preferably 0.01 to 40% by weight, still more preferably 0.01 to 1% by weight, and most preferably based on the total amount of the hydrophilic composition. Preferably, it is contained in an amount of 0.01 to 0.5% by weight. If the amount of the color indicator is less than 0.01% by weight, the color may be thin even if the color changes, and it may be difficult to visually recognize from the outside, and if it exceeds 50% by weight, the color before the color change of the hydrophilic composition becomes dark. Since the appearance is not good and the cost may be further increased, it is preferably within the above range.
Moreover, as an adhesive substance mixed with a color indicator, the hydrophilic polymer which functions as an adhesive agent is mentioned, for example. Examples of the hydrophilic polymer include polyethylene glycol (PEG), polypropylene glycol (PPG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyamide, vinyl pyrrolidone homopolymer, and the like. These hydrophilic polymers preferably have a number average molecular weight of 1,000 to 50,000, particularly 2,000 to 20,000 from the viewpoint of providing reliable fixation. By using a hot melt composition containing a mixture of the adhesive substance and the color indicator as a component, the color indicator is fixed to the back sheet 2 in a suitable manner.

  Moreover, the following wet indicator composition may be sufficient as the hydrophilic composition which comprises the indicator part 6 in the diaper 10 of this embodiment. As a result, natural color development, color loss, color bleeding, and the like due to moisture absorption and the like can be prevented. Specifically, the hot melt composition has a pH indicator (a) of 0.1 to 5% by weight which is substantially colorless at pH 7 and develops a color in an acidic region, and a glycerin fatty acid ester (b) 20 to 20 having a surface active action. 90% by weight, polyalkylene glycol (c) 20 to 35% by weight, polymer having a carboxyl group (d) 0 to 70% by weight, acidic substance other than (b) and (d) (e) 0.1 to 5% by weight % Is contained. More specifically, it can be formed by the components and coating methods described in paragraphs [0014] to [0039] of JP2009-247409A.

  Furthermore, from the viewpoint of avoiding discoloration other than excreted urine such as a small amount of water, it is possible to maintain the pH of the hydrophilic composition described in Japanese Patent No. 3558828 in the hydrophilic composition, and The hydrophilic composition contains an acidic compound that can be maintained so that its pH does not exceed 4 when it comes into contact with water, and the back sheet 2 contains a water-soluble compound that exhibits alkalinity when dissolved in moisture. It can also be made. The hydrophilic composition may contain an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorber and the like in addition to the components described above. These components are preferably contained in an amount of 0.5 to 5% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 3% by weight, based on the total amount of the hydrophilic composition.

As a forming material of the surface sheet 1, the back sheet 2, and the side sheet 7, those normally used for absorbent articles can be used.
The surface sheet 1 is preferably a hydrophilic non-woven fabric, and is a non-woven fabric called an air-through non-woven fabric, a point-bonded non-woven fabric, a spun-bonded non-woven fabric, a spunlace non-woven fabric or a three-dimensional shaped non-woven fabric. Fibers that have been hydrophilized with polyethylene composite fibers, polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene composite fibers, and the like are preferred, and those having a basis weight of 15 to 50 g / m ² can be suitably used. Further, a hydrophilic perforated film or a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric may be partially overlapped on the crotch portion of the topsheet 1 on the non-skin surface side of the topsheet 1.

  The material for forming the back sheet 2 is not particularly limited as long as it is waterproof and moisture permeable. For example, a hydrophobic inorganic resin and a minute inorganic filler made of calcium carbonate or the like, or an incompatible organic material. Examples thereof include a porous film obtained by melt-kneading a polymer or the like to form a film, and uniaxially or biaxially stretching the film. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyolefin. Examples of the polyolefin include high to low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene and the like, and these can be used alone or in combination.

As the side sheet 7, a water-repellent nonwoven fabric is preferable, and specifically, a spunbond nonwoven fabric, a spunbond-meltblown (SM) nonwoven fabric, a spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) nonwoven fabric, or the like is used. In addition, as the elastic members 71 and 72 arranged on the side seat 7 and the elastic member 13 forming the waist gather, a normal elastic member used for this type of article can be used. For example, as a material, styrene-butadiene is used. And synthetic rubber such as butadiene, isoprene and neoprene, natural rubber, EVA, stretchable polyolefin, polyurethane and the like. Rubber or the like, or multifilament type thread-like ones can be used.

  In the absorbent article of the present invention, the position and range of the indicator section 6 in plan view (= the range of the indicator region 61) can be arbitrarily determined as long as reliable contact with the liquid and visibility of discoloration can be secured. The shape, size, and number of each indicator portion 6 can also be arbitrarily adopted in view of the above viewpoint, and the arrangement of the closing mouth portion 52 can be set in accordance with the arrangement of the indicator portion 6. Further, the shape of the absorber 3 is not particularly limited, and the surface may be a block shape or may be provided with a slit. The absorbent article of the present invention is not limited to the deployable disposable diaper in the above embodiment, but may be a pants-type disposable diaper or a urine collecting pad, or a sanitary napkin, a panty liner or a light incontinence pad. .

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail based on examples, but the present invention is not construed as being limited thereto. In the schematic cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 11, (a) and (b) schematically show the form of the diaper of the example, and (c) and (d) schematically show the form of the diaper of the comparative example. Show.

[Example 1]
A disposable diaper (test body 1) having a cross-sectional configuration schematically shown in FIG. In the test body 1, the closed mouth part and the bag-like part were not joined, but the closed mouth part and the indicator part were joined.
The surface sheet 1 in the disposable diaper test body uses a two-layered uneven surface sheet structure, and each of the top sheet and the lower layer of the surface sheet uses polyethylene terephthalate / polyethylene core-sheath fibers. A liquid-permeable air-through nonwoven fabric having an amount of 18 g / m ² was used, and the upper layer was obtained by embossing the air-through nonwoven fabric by embossing. The basis weight of the upper layer after providing irregularities was 23.5 g / m ² .
As the back sheet 2, a spunbond / meltblown / polypropylene resin having a basis weight of 15 g / m ^{2 and} a liquid-impermeable and moisture-permeable polyethylene resin film (comprising calcium carbonate) having a basis weight of 20 g / m ² / A non-woven fabric having a structure of spunbond (SMS) bonded with hot melt was used.
The absorbent body 3 is a fiber aggregate in which particulate water-absorbing polymer is held, and has a total basis weight of 490 g / m ² composed of a uniform mixture of fluff pulp 200 g / m ² and water-absorbing polymer 290 g / m ² . An absorbent core was used.

[Example 2]
A disposable diaper test body 2 was obtained in the same manner as the test body of Example 1 except that the closing portion and the indicator portion were not adhered (see FIG. 11B).

[Comparative Example 1]
A disposable diaper test body 3 was obtained in the same manner as the test body 1 of Example 1 except that the closed mouth part and the indicator part were arranged so as not to partially overlap each other (see FIG. 11C).

[Comparative Example 2]
A disposable diaper test body 4 was obtained in the same manner as the test body 1 of Example 1 except that the closed mouth part and the bag-like part were joined on the entire contact surface (see FIG. 11D).

[Evaluation]
About each disposable diaper test body produced above, the state of change of the indicator before and after use and the time until the change were evaluated. In Table 1, “before use” means a state before wearing the diaper, and “after use” means a state after urination after using the diaper.
Specific test conditions and test methods were as follows.
The diaper sample was prototyped, placed in a perforated packaging bag, and stored in a constant temperature and humidity chamber at a temperature of 40 ° C. and a humidity of 80% for 2 months. After storage, measurements were taken after returning to room temperature.
1. Indicator change before use The indicator color change was judged visually.
2. Change of indicator after use After injecting 300 mL of water into the diaper, the degree of color change of the indicator was confirmed, and the time at that time was also evaluated.

The results of the above test are shown in Table 1. The evaluation contents of “◯”, “Δ”, and “×” in Table 1 are as follows.
1. Indicator change before use ○: No change.
Δ: There is a part that has changed.
×: The color has changed.
2. Change of indicator after use ○: Discolored by water.
Δ: Some parts have not changed.
×: Most of the parts are unchanged.
3. Time to change indicator: ○: Change within 1 minute.
Δ: Partial change within 1 minute.
X: It takes 1 minute or more to change.

[Table 1]
--------------------------------------
Example 1 Example 2 Comparative Example 1 Comparative Example 2
Specimen 1 2 3 4
Reference drawing 4 (a) 4 (b) 4 (c) 4 (d)
--------------------------------------
Indicator change before use ○ ○ × ○
Indicator change after use ○ ○ ○
Indicator change after use ○ ○ ○
Time until -------------------------------------

  As is clear from the results shown in Table 1, the disposable diapers of Examples 1 and 2 did not change the indicator part before use. That is, it was found that the resistance to contact between the indicator part and the water-absorbing polymer itself or a small amount of water contained was high. Furthermore, it turned out that the change of a favorable indicator part is shown after use. On the other hand, in the disposable diaper of the comparative example 1, it turns out that contact with the indicator part, the water absorbing polymer itself, or the trace amount water | moisture content contained before using occurred. Moreover, in the disposable diaper of the comparative example 2, although the change before use did not arise, it became difficult to read the change of the indicator part by excretion, and it became difficult to discriminate | determine the optimal time to replace. As described above, according to the structure of the present invention, in the absorbent body having the closed mouth portion, the opportunity of contact with the polymer before use and its trace amount of water can be suitably suppressed, and the optimum due to excreted urine during use It has been found that the original function of changing the indicator part can be fully exhibited.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Top sheet 2 Back sheet 3 Absorber 4 Absorbent core 41 Fiber material 42 Water-absorbing polymer 5 Cover sheet 51 Bag-shaped part 52 Closure part 53 Closure opening front edge 54 Closure root part 55 Indicator contact part 56 Air layer 6, 6a, 6b, 6c Indicator section 61 Indicator area 7 Side sheet 8 Exterior sheet 10 Disposable diaper

Claims (10)

An absorbent article comprising a top sheet disposed on the skin contact surface side, a back sheet disposed on the non-skin contact surface side, and an absorbent body disposed between both sheets,
Between the back sheet and the absorbent body, an indicator part that visually changes by contact with liquid is disposed, and the absorbent body includes an absorbent core having a fiber material and a water absorbent polymer, and the absorbent core. A covering sheet covering the outer surface of the absorbent core,
A cross-sectional view of the absorbent body in the width direction, the covering sheet is connected to the bag-shaped portion covering the non-skin-contacting surface side from the skin-contacting surface side of the absorbent core, and is positioned outside the bag-shaped portion. A closed mouth part, and the closed mouth part is joined at both ends in the width direction of the covering sheet on the non-skin-contacting surface side of the absorbent core by a palm fold, and is folded.
It said closed mouth, the indicator portion is disposed so as to cover all the arranged region of the closed mouth portion and the absorbent article and the bag-like portion that is partially bonded. Said closed opening, the absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that coupled to said bag portion in a closed port root portion.   The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closing portion is not joined to the indicator portion.   The absorptive article according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in which said closing mouth part is joined with said back sheet in the outer edge part of said closing mouth part, and said base part.   The absorptive article according to any one of claims 1 to 4 with which said bag-like part near the base part of said closed mouth part is joined with said absorptive core.   The said absorptive core has a filter layer which does not contain a water absorbing polymer, and the mixed layer of the fiber raw material and water absorbing polymer which are distribute | arranged to the skin contact surface side. Absorbent article. Wherein the indicator portion is made from a hot melt composition comprising a mixture of a color changing indicator that changes color by a change in pH and the adhesive material, Tei gastric claim wherein the hot melt composition penetrates into the covering sheet The absorbent article according to any one of 1 to 6.
  The said absorptive core has a slit part in the area | region corresponding to the crotch part of the said articles | goods, The said slit part is the arrangement | positioning which overlaps with the said indicator part in the thickness direction, The any one of Claims 1-7. Absorbent articles. It is a manufacturing method of an absorptive article given in any 1 paragraph of Claims 1-8,
The absorbent core is placed on the covering sheet raw material that is continuously carried out, both ends in the width direction of the covering sheet raw material are lifted and folded on the absorbent core, and hot is applied to each of the opposing surfaces of the both ends. A melt adhesive is applied and joined to form a bag-like portion, and the joined end portions are folded along the bag-like portion to form a closed mouth portion to obtain the absorbent body. An absorber forming step of turning upside down;
Applying a hot melt composition containing a mixture of a color indicator and an adhesive component to the continuously conveyed back sheet original fabric, further cooling and solidifying the indicator part forming step,
The hot melt adhesive is intermittently applied on the back side sheet raw material on which the indicator part is formed in the outer side in the width direction of the indicator part, and the closing port of the closing part is formed by the hot melt adhesive of the back sheet. The manufacturing method of an absorbent article which has the lamination process which mounts and fixes the said absorber so that a base part and the said closing mouth outer edge may be joined with a back surface sheet.   The absorptivity according to claim 9, wherein, in the absorbent body forming step, the coated hot melt adhesive is cooled and solidified after joining and joining both ends of the covering sheet, and before the absorbent body is turned upside down. Article manufacturing method.

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