JP6381515B2 - Absorbent article comprising an absorbent having a web comprising long fibers - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an absorbent article that includes an absorbent body having a web that includes long fibers, and more specifically, to a disposable diaper that includes an absorbent body having a web that includes long fibers.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a diaper having a leg gather (leg gather) formed by a contracting force of an elastic member when a disposable diaper is worn has been known. Moreover, the absorbent article which equips the both ends of the absorber which is easy to be influenced by a wearer's crotch movement with a bulky member is known.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. 2, a flap portion is disposed on each side portion along the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the absorbent body of the diaper via a surface sheet. The lateral outer end is fixed to the back sheet, and an elastic member for leg gather formation is formed between the outer end of each flap and the back sheet at the crotch. It is disclosed that it is arranged and fixed in an elongated state in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) and, when worn, a leg gather is formed by the contraction force of the elastic member.

  Patent Document 2 discloses an absorbent article having a body fluid absorber between a top sheet and a back sheet, the top sheet and the back sheet positioned outward from an edge of the body fluid absorber. An absorbent article is disclosed in which a bulky member is interposed between the two and the bulky member is formed of a fiber assembly made of tow.

JP 2014-144049 A Japanese Patent No. 4279737

In the diaper disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the absorbent body is composed only of an absorbent core containing pulp and a superabsorbent polymer, the absorbent core has low flexibility. Therefore, in order to fit the diaper to the crotch, the absorbent body ( It is necessary to prevent the absorbent body (absorbing core) from giving a hard foreign body feeling in the crotch portion by installing the absorbent core) at a certain distance from the foot gather. However, in such a configuration, the length of the absorbent body in the width direction cannot be secured sufficiently, and the amount of fluid absorption becomes insufficient, or the distance between the right and left foot gathers is greater than the width direction length of the wearer's crotch part However, there was a problem that the fit of the diaper was lowered.
Moreover, also in the absorbent article disclosed in Patent Document 2, the above-described problem with respect to step gathers has not been solved.

  Therefore, the technical problem of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that solves the above-described problems and is excellent in the fit of footsteps.

In order to solve the above problems, the absorbent article of the present invention is:
An absorbent element having an absorbent body having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction; a top sheet that covers the absorbent body on the skin surface side; and a back sheet that covers the clothing surface side; and the width direction of the absorbent body An absorbent article comprising a pair of flap portions extending outward and extending in the longitudinal direction,
The absorbent body is partitioned in the width direction into a central portion extending in the longitudinal direction and a pair of both side portions extending in the longitudinal direction on both sides of the central portion,
The absorbent body has an absorbent core layer in the central portion, and a flexible member layer including a web containing a long fiber having an average fiber length of 70 mm or more and a superabsorbent polymer on the pair of both side portions,
Each of the pair of flap portions has a fixing portion with respect to the clothing surface side of the absorbent element at a position overlapping with the pair of both side portions of the absorber in the thickness direction, and more outward in the width direction than the fixing portion. It has an elastic member for foot gathers extending in the longitudinal direction, and therefore, when worn, each of the pair of flaps stands on the outside of the absorbent body by contracting the elastic member for foot gathers A pair of foot gathers is formed.

  The absorbent article of the present invention is excellent in the foot fit.

FIG. 1 is a development view of the disposable diaper 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent body of the disposable diaper shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the disposable diaper shown in FIG. 1 cut along the line III-III ′. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line III-III ′ showing the shape of the disposable diaper shown in FIG. 1 when worn. FIG. 5 is a development view of the disposable diaper 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the disposable diaper 10 shown in FIG. 5 taken along the line VI-VI '. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the disposable diaper shown in FIG. 5 taken along the line VI-VI 'when worn. Drawing 8 is a mimetic diagram in the state where the leg gathers and solid gathers of disposable diaper 10 before wearing stand up. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a cross-section in the width direction of an absorber 70 according to a modification.

The present invention relates to the following aspects.
[Aspect 1]
An absorbent element having an absorbent body having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction; a top sheet that covers the absorbent body on the skin surface side; and a back sheet that covers the clothing surface side; and the width direction of the absorbent body An absorbent article comprising a pair of flap portions extending outward and extending in the longitudinal direction,
The absorbent body is partitioned in the width direction into a central portion extending in the longitudinal direction and a pair of both side portions extending in the longitudinal direction on both sides of the central portion,
The absorbent body has an absorbent core layer in the central portion, and a flexible member layer including a web including long fibers having an average fiber length of 70 mm or more on the pair of both side portions,
Each of the pair of flap portions has a fixing portion at a position overlapping with the pair of both side portions of the absorber in the thickness direction, and extends in the longitudinal direction outside the fixing portion in the width direction. Therefore, when worn, each of the pair of flap portions has a pair of foot gathers standing on the outside of the absorber by contracting the elastic members for foot gathers. An absorbent article characterized by being formed.
According to the aspect 1, in the absorbent article including the foot gathers formed by the flap portion and the elastic members for the foot gathers, the absorbent body includes the absorbent core layer containing pulp and the super absorbent polymer. Since the core layer has low flexibility, in order to fit the diaper in the crotch, the absorber (absorbing core layer) is placed at a certain distance from the foot gathers, and the absorber (absorbing core layer) is It was necessary to prevent giving a hard foreign body sensation in the crotch region. However, if a flexible member layer is added to both sides of the absorbent body in the width direction, and a joint portion of a flap portion that forms a foot gather is arranged on both sides of the absorbent body, the flexible member layer has flexibility. Therefore, the elastic member for the foot gathers acts so that the flexible member layer portion of the absorber rises from the absorbent core layer, and the foot gathers also follow this easily, and the end of the absorber in the width direction. Since the portion is disposed close to the foot gathers, the fit of the absorbent article in the foot steps is improved, and the side leakage prevention performance is also improved. Moreover, due to the difference in rigidity at the boundary between the absorbent core layer and the flexible member layer, the boundary line becomes the starting point of the flexible member layer, and the absorbent body has a shape suitable for receiving excrement etc., and the absorbent body. Since the width of the absorbent body can be further increased by adding a flexible member layer to the foot gather, the absorption performance and the function of preventing the foot gather from leaking can be improved.

[Aspect 2]
The absorbent article according to aspect 1, wherein each of the pair of flap portions further includes an elastic member at a position overlapping with both side portions of the absorber in the thickness direction.
According to the aspect 2, each of the pair of flap portions further has the elastic member at a position overlapping the both side portions of the absorber and the thickness direction of the absorber, so that the contraction force of the elastic member exists on both side portions of the absorber. It acts to raise the flexible member layer to reinforce, and reinforces the rising property of the flexible member layer in the foot gather.

[Aspect 3]
The absorbent body further includes a web layer containing long fibers having an average fiber length of 70 mm or more in the central portion, and the basis weight of the web containing long fibers excluding superabsorbent polymer from the flexible member layer, The absorptive article according to aspect 1 or 2 which is more than the basic weight of the web containing the long fiber of the central part.
According to the aspect 3, since the absorbent article includes a layer including a web containing long fibers on both sides and the center of the absorbent body, when the absorbent article is worn, the absorbent article is placed from the both sides to the center. When receiving stress toward the absorber, the stress is absorbed not only on both sides of the absorber but also on the center, and the collapse of the absorber core layer caused by the stress spreading to the absorber core layer existing in the center of the absorber can be suppressed. . Therefore, the absorption amount of the absorbent body can be ensured and the wearing feeling of the absorbent article can be further improved. Moreover, even if the basis weight of the web of the center part central web layer is small by making each basis weight of the webs of the both sides of the absorbent body larger than the basis weight of the center part web, both sides and The layer including the web in the center can cooperate to secure flexibility in the width direction of the absorbent body. Also, by making the basis weight of the web in the center part smaller than the basis weight of each of the webs on both sides of the absorbent body, compared to the case where there is no difference in basis weight between the web in the center part and the webs on both sides Thus, it is easier to achieve a reduction in the thickness direction of the central portion of the absorbent body than the both side portions of the absorbent body, and the wearing feeling of the absorbent article can be improved.

[Aspect 4]
The absorbent body has an absorbent core layer on the skin surface side of the flexible member layer in each of the pair of both side portions, and the basis weight of each of the absorbent core layers on the both side portions is the center. The absorptive article according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, which is less than the basis weight of the part of the absorbent core layer.
According to the aspect 4, in each of a pair of both side parts, an absorber has an absorption core layer in the skin surface side part rather than a flexible member layer, Therefore In the width direction both sides of the skin surface side of an absorbent article Since the water absorption force is reinforced, rewet on the skin surface side of the absorbent article can be reduced, and rash at the time of wearing can be further suppressed. In addition, since the superabsorbent polymer contained in the flexible member layer can be prevented from flowing out to the skin surface side, the discomfort that the wearer feels the unevenness of the superabsorbent polymer on the skin surface of the absorbent article is reduced. Can be made. In addition, when the basis weight of each of the absorbent core layers on both sides of the absorbent body is smaller than the basis weight of the absorbent core layer on the central part, when subjected to stress from both side parts of the absorbent body toward the central part, Compared to the case where there is no difference in basis weight between the absorbent core layer at the center and the absorbent core layer at the center, it is difficult to inhibit the deformation of the flexible member layer present on both sides of the absorber. It is easy to ensure the function of absorbing the stress caused by the existing flexible member layer, and the pair of flap portions are also deformed following the flexible member layer and are likely to stand up.

[Aspect 5]
The absorbent article further includes a pair of leak-proof wall members extending in the longitudinal direction on both sides in the width direction on the skin surface side of the absorbent body, and each of the pair of leak-proof wall members includes: It has a standing end extending in the longitudinal direction at each outer end in the width direction, and has an elastic member extending in the longitudinal direction at each inner end in the width direction. 5. The pair of leak-proof wall members according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the elastic member abuts on the collar portion and contracts to form a pair of three-dimensional gathers standing on the inner side of the absorber. Absorbent article.
According to Aspect 5, when the absorbent article has the above-described configuration, when worn, each of the pair of leak-proof wall members is a pair of three-dimensional bodies whose elastic members abut against the buttocks and stand inside the absorbent body. Since the gathers are formed, the three-dimensional gathers can suppress the body fluid leaking from the absorbent body from leaking from the absorbent article. Moreover, since the standing end of the leak-proof wall member is joined to the both sides of the absorber, the three-dimensional gathers act so as to raise the flexible member layers existing on the both sides of the absorber. Reinforces the rising effect of the flexible member layer.

[Aspect 6]
The absorbent article according to aspect 5, wherein the pair of flap portions and the pair of leak-proof wall members are connected.
According to the aspect 6, since the pair of flap portions and the pair of leak-proof wall members are connected, when the absorber is deformed during wearing, the pair of flap portions and the leak-proof wall are interlocked so that both sides of the absorber It deforms following the flexible member layer existing in the part, and both members are more likely to stand up.

[Aspect 7]
The absorptive article according to any one of modes 1 to 6, wherein a hydrophobic material is disposed in a portion on the skin surface side on both side portions of the absorbent body.
According to the aspect 7, since the hydrophobic material is arranged in the skin surface side portions on both sides of the absorbent body, even if the body fluid leaks from both sides of the absorbent body, the hydrophobic material leaks out. It is possible to suppress the body fluid from leaking toward the skin surface of the absorbent article.

[Aspect 8]
The absorptive article according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the long fibers of the flexible member layer are made of a continuous filament of tow opened.
According to the aspect 8, since the flexible member layer is composed of the continuous filaments of the tow opened, the web in which the long filaments are entangled is flexible and has a high ability to absorb stress. And the comfort when the absorbent article is worn is improved. In addition, since the continuous filament of tow with the flexible member layer opened has a high ability to recover from deformation when the stress disappears, it is excellent as a material that gives the absorbent body flexibility. Further, even if the absorbent article is packed in a package in a compressed state, there is an effect that the bulk of the flexible member layer is easily and instantaneously restored when taken out from the package. In addition, since the flexible member layer is made of continuous filaments of tow, the fluid such as bodily fluid that has reached the flexible member layer moves along the direction in which the filament is oriented, and spreads over a wider range in the flexible member layer. Since the opportunity to come into contact with the existing superabsorbent polymer increases, the liquid absorption of the absorber can be increased.

[Aspect 9]
The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the absorbent core layer and the flexible member layer of the absorbent body are wrapped with a core wrap.
According to the aspect 9, the absorbent core layer and the flexible member layer of the absorbent body are wrapped with the core wrap, and the absorbent core layer and the flexible member layer are physically integrated. It is possible to fully enjoy the effect of adding the flexible member layer.

[Aspect 10]
An absorbent element having an absorbent body having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction; a top sheet that covers the absorbent body on the skin surface side; and a back sheet that covers the clothing surface side; and the width direction of the absorbent body An absorbent article comprising a pair of flap portions extending outward and extending in the longitudinal direction,
The absorbent body is partitioned in the width direction into a central portion extending in the longitudinal direction and a pair of both side portions extending in the longitudinal direction on both sides of the central portion,
The absorbent body has an absorbent core layer in the central portion, and a flexible member layer including a web including long fibers having an average fiber length of 70 mm or more on the pair of both side portions,
Each of the pair of flap portions has a fixing portion at a position overlapping with the pair of both side portions of the absorber in the thickness direction, and extends in the longitudinal direction outside the fixing portion in the width direction. An absorbent article comprising an elastic member for foot gathers arranged in an extended state.
According to the aspect 10, in the absorbent article including the foot gathers formed by the flap portion and the elastic member for the foot gathers, when the absorbent body includes only the absorbent core layer, the absorbent core layer has low flexibility. In order to fit the diaper in the crotch, install the absorber (absorbing core layer) at a certain distance from the foot gathers, and the absorber (absorbing core layer) gives a solid foreign body feeling in the crotch There was a need to prevent. However, if a flexible member layer is added to both sides of the absorbent body in the width direction, and a joint portion of a flap portion that forms a foot gather is arranged on both sides of the absorbent body, the flexible member layer has flexibility. Therefore, the elastic member for the foot gathers acts so that the flexible member layer portion of the absorber rises from the absorbent core layer, and the foot gathers also follow this easily, and the end of the absorber in the width direction. Since the portion is disposed close to the foot gathers, the fit of the absorbent article in the foot steps is improved, and the side leakage prevention performance is also improved. Moreover, due to the difference in rigidity at the boundary between the absorbent core layer and the flexible member layer, the boundary line becomes the starting point of the flexible member layer, and the absorbent body has a shape suitable for receiving excrement etc., and the absorbent body. Since the width of the absorbent body can be further increased by adding a flexible member layer to the foot gather, the absorption performance and the function of preventing the foot gather from leaking can be improved.

Hereinafter, an absorptive article of an embodiment of the present invention is explained in detail with reference to drawings.
In this specification, unless otherwise specified, “an object placed on a horizontal plane in an unfolded state (for example, an absorbent article, an absorbent body, etc.) in an upper direction in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane. “Viewing in the thickness direction of the object” is simply referred to as “plan view”.

  In this specification, “longitudinal direction L” refers to “longitudinal direction of the object in plan view”, and “width direction W” refers to “width direction (short direction) of the object in plan view”. "Thickness direction T" refers to "the thickness direction of the object placed on the horizontal surface in the unfolded state", and the longitudinal direction L, the width direction W, and the thickness direction T are orthogonal to each other. .

Further, in this specification, the inner "vertically elongated object (e.g., the absorbent article or the like) in the width direction W of the relatively closer to the widthwise central axis C _L extending in the longitudinal direction L" and the "width direction called square side "," in the width direction W of the elongated object, relatively far side "from the widthwise center axis C _L of" outward in the width direction ". In addition, the longitudinal central axis extending in the width direction W in the longitudinal direction L of the longitudinal object is referred to as a longitudinal central axis _CW .

  Moreover, in this specification, "in the thickness direction T of an absorbent article, in the two surfaces facing the same sheet, the surface relatively closer to the skin surface of the wearer" is referred to as "skin side surface" In the thickness direction T of the absorbent article, in two opposing surfaces of the same sheet, the surface relatively far from the wearer's skin surface ”is referred to as“ clothing side surface ”.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a development view of the disposable diaper 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent body 7 included in the disposable diaper 1 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the disposable diaper 1 shown in FIG. 1 as seen along the line III-III ′.

  The disposable diaper 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a longitudinal direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction T in the developed view shown in FIG.

The disposable diaper 1 has a liquid-permeable top sheet 3 on the front side of the paper surface of FIG. 1 and a liquid-impermeable back sheet 5 that cannot be seen in FIG. 1 on the back side of the paper surface of FIG. The absorbent body 7 is disposed between the top sheet 3 and the back sheet 5.
In the present embodiment, the top sheet 3, the back sheet 5, and the absorbent body 7 are collectively referred to as the absorbent element 2.

  Furthermore, the disposable diaper 1 is provided with an abdominal waist part 15 on the abdomen and a back waist part 17 on the back side, and when the diaper 1 is worn by the wearer, The side torso surrounds the wearer's torso.

  Furthermore, the disposable diaper 1 has the flap parts 90 and 90 which have hydrophobicity and water repellency. The flap portions 90, 90 extend outward in the width direction W of the absorber 7 and extend in the longitudinal direction L of the absorber 7. The flap portions 90, 90 are joined to the elastic members 13 for the foot gathers extending in the longitudinal direction of the disposable diaper 1, and form a pair of foot gathers when worn.

  In FIG. 1, one end side in the lower length direction L in the figure is the abdomen side covering the wearer's belly, and the other end side in the upper length direction L in the figure is the back side covering the wearer's back (buttock).

(Top sheet and back sheet)
The top sheet 3 covers the absorbent body 7 on the skin surface side, and quickly absorbs or permeates liquid excrement such as urine from the wearer and moves it toward the absorbent body 7. It is arrange | positioned at the surface side which opposes the skin.

  In this embodiment, the top sheet 3 is formed in a long shape in a direction along the length direction L of the disposable diaper 1.

  The top sheet is formed of, for example, a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a synthetic resin film in which liquid permeation holes are formed, a net-like sheet having a mesh, and the like, among which a nonwoven fabric is preferable. Moreover, the top sheet 3 according to the present embodiment uses a hydrophobic material obtained by subjecting a nonwoven fabric to a hydrophobic treatment. When a hydrophobic material is used for the top sheet 3 in this manner, the material is disposed on both sides S, S of the absorbent body 7 to be described later, so that body fluid leaks from both sides of the absorbent body. Even so, the leaked body fluid can be prevented from leaking toward the skin surface of the disposable diaper 1 by the hydrophobic material.

In the present specification, the hydrophobic material satisfies a predetermined index in a water pressure resistance test performed as follows.
The water pressure resistance is measured according to JIS L1092A method: 2009. The water pressure resistance test is performed in an environment of a temperature of 23 ° C. (± 2 ° C.) and a relative humidity of 50% (± 5%).
The water pressure resistance is measured using a water resistance test device (FI-805, manufactured by Tester Sangyo Co., Ltd.). Further, the level device is raised at a speed of 100 mm / min and tested, and the average number of samples measured for n = 10 is the water pressure resistance. Others conform to JIS test methods.
As a result of this test, those having a water pressure resistance of 30 mmH ₂ O or more are defined as being hydrophobic.

The back sheet 5 covers the absorbent body 7 on the clothing surface side, prevents permeation of discharged excrement, and prevents leakage to the outside.
The back sheet 5 is joined to the top sheet 3 with the absorber 7 interposed therebetween. As a joining means, for example, any means such as adhesion by a hot melt adhesive, joining by heat embossing treatment, joining by ultrasonic embossing treatment, or the like can be used.

  In addition, as a back sheet, for example, a waterproof nonwoven fabric, a synthetic resin film such as polyethylene or polypropylene, a composite sheet of a nonwoven fabric and a synthetic resin film (for example, a synthetic resin film that is breathable to a nonwoven fabric such as spunbond, spunlace, etc. And a spunbond / meltblown / spunbond (SMS) non-woven fabric in which a melt-blown non-woven fabric having high water resistance is sandwiched between strong spunbond non-woven fabrics.

(Abdominal side around the ventral side and dorsal side around the back side)
The ventral waist part 15 and the back waist part 17 are elongated in a direction (width direction W) substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent element 2, and each of the two nonwoven fabrics absorbs it. The element 2 is formed so as to sandwich the longitudinal end portion of the element 2 and the longitudinal end portion of the exterior sheet 9 described later. In addition, a waist elastic member (not shown) is arranged in an expanded state between the two nonwoven fabrics forming the abdominal waist part 15 and the back waist part 17 so as to extend in the direction in which they extend. It is provided and a waist gather is formed when worn.

  A tape fastener 11 extending in the width direction of the diaper 1 is provided on the back side waistline portion 17 of the disposable diaper 1, and a fastening for fastening the tape fastener 11 to the abdominal side waistline portion 15. A member (not shown) is provided on the clothing side surface. The diaper 1 is worn by the wearer by fastening the tape fastener 11 to the fastening member when worn. This disposable diaper 1 is said to be a tape-type disposable diaper.

  However, the absorbent article according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described tape-type disposable diaper, and may be a so-called pant-type disposable diaper having a pant-type shape before wearing.

(Absorber)
The absorbent body 7 has a long shape in a direction along the length direction L of the disposable diaper 1, and in this embodiment, has a rectangular shape, but as a whole, as shown in FIG. 1, than the back side of the disposable diaper 1. It is arranged in a state of being biased toward the ventral side.

  As shown in the plan view of FIG. 2 and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3, the absorbent body 7 is partitioned in the width direction W into a central portion M and a pair of side portions S, S on both sides thereof. The pair of both side portions S, S are sections extending in the longitudinal direction L.

  In the present embodiment, the absorbent body 7 has a dimension of 370 mm in the longitudinal direction L and a width of the central part M of 70 mm and the side parts S and S of 25 mm in the width direction W, respectively. The dimensions of the absorber provided in can be appropriately changed as long as the performance as the absorber can be exhibited.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the absorbent body 7 of the disposable diaper 1 includes an absorbent core layer 71 in the central portion M. As shown in FIG. 2, the absorbent core layer 71 exists over the entire longitudinal direction of the central portion M in plan view.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, the absorber 7 of the disposable diaper 1 is provided with the flexible member layer 73 in each of a pair of both side parts S and S in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the flexible member layer 73 exists over the entire area in the longitudinal direction of the absorbers of the side portions S and S in plan view.

  In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the central portion M (absorbing core layer 71) and both side portions S and S (flexible member layer 73) of the absorbent body 7 is covered with a core wrap 75. Thus, since the center part M and both side parts S and S are integrally wrapped in the core wrap 75, the absorption core layer 71 which exists at least in the center part, and the flexible member layer 73 which exists in both side parts are included. It becomes an absorption element as one lump, and it is difficult to divide between a center part and both sides, and absorption performance is hard to be inhibited.

  The core wrap is not particularly limited as long as it has liquid permeability and absorber retention, but is preferably formed of an SMS nonwoven fabric, tissue or the like.

(Absorbent core layer in the center)
In the present embodiment, the central portion M of the absorber has an absorbent core layer 71 as the main body of the absorber. The length, width, and thickness of the absorbent core layer can be basically the same as those of a conventional absorbent body that does not have a flexible member layer. However, since the absorbent body has the flexible member layer, the width of the absorbent core layer may be somewhat reduced in consideration of that amount. Moreover, when providing the long fiber web layer mentioned later, you may make the thickness of an absorption core layer somewhat small considering the part. However, the length, width, and thickness of the absorbent core layer are not limited to these, and it does not exclude increasing the size of the absorbent core layer.

  In the present embodiment, the absorbent core layer 71 includes water-absorbing fibers that absorb and retain liquid excreta and a superabsorbent polymer.

  As the water-absorbing fiber forming the absorbent core layer, any fiber having a hydrophilic surface can be used without particular limitation. Examples of hydrophilic fibers include wood cellulose such as kraft pulp, natural cellulose fibers such as non-wood pulp such as cotton pulp, and straw pulp; regenerated cellulose fibers such as rayon; hydrophilic synthetic fibers such as polyvinyl alcohol fiber and polyacrylonitrile fiber. A synthetic fiber such as polyethylene terephthalate fiber, polyethylene fiber, polypropylene fiber, or polyester fiber that has been subjected to a hydrophilic treatment with a surfactant. One of these hydrophilic fibers can be used alone or in admixture of two or more.

  Moreover, as a superabsorbent polymer, the various things used conventionally can be used. For example, poly (sodium acrylate), (acrylic acid-vinyl alcohol) copolymer, cross-linked poly (sodium acrylate), (starch-acrylic acid) graft polymer, (isobutylene-maleic anhydride) copolymer and saponified product thereof, Examples include potassium polyacrylate and cesium polyacrylate. One of these superabsorbent polymers can be used alone or in admixture of two or more.

  The mass ratio of the hydrophilic fiber to the superabsorbent polymer in the absorbent core layer is preferably hydrophilic fiber: superabsorbent polymer = 1/9 to 9/1, more preferably 3/7 to 7/3.

The basis weight (average value) of the absorbent core layer 71 is preferably 100 to 800 g / m ² , particularly 200 to 600 g / m ² , but is not limited thereto. If the basis weight of the absorbent core layer 71 is small, the water absorption and water retention will be insufficient, and even if the basis weight of the absorption core layer is too large, the water absorption and water retention will only be excessive, resulting in high costs. The rigidity becomes high and the feeling of wearing becomes inferior.

Density of the absorbent core layer (average value), preferably 0.01~0.2g / cm ^3, and more preferably from 0.05~0.15g / cm ^3, but is not limited thereto. It is preferable from a viewpoint suitable for holding and fixing the excrement sufficiently. The density of the absorbent core layer can be obtained by measuring the volume and mass of the absorbent core layer, but the absorbent core layer is relatively uniform, so cut out a part of the absorbent core layer and measure its volume and mass. You may ask for it.
The thickness of the absorbent core layer is preferably 1 to 10 mm, more preferably 2 to 4 mm.

In the present specification, unless otherwise specified, the method for measuring the thickness of the absorber or the members (absorbing core layer, flexible member layer described later) constituting the absorber is as follows.
Using a thickness measuring device (FS-60DS, manufactured by Daiei Kagaku Seiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd.) under standard conditions (temperature 23 ± 2 ° C., relative humidity 50 ± 5%), measuring surface 18 mm (diameter), measuring pressure 2.5 g Under the condition of / cm ² , five different parts of the member are pressurized, the thickness after 10 seconds of pressure at each part is measured, and the average value of the five measured values is taken as the thickness of the member.

Moreover, in this specification, the calculation method of the density of the members (absorbing core layer, flexible member layer described later, etc.) constituting the absorber is as follows.
For the target member, the thickness is calculated according to the thickness measurement method, and five samples having a size of 20 mm × 20 mm are prepared in plan view at five different portions that are pressurized. The volume is calculated for each part. Subsequently, the mass of each sample is measured, divided by its volume, and the average of the five calculated values is taken as the density of the member.

  The width (average value) of the absorbent core layer is preferably 50 to 150 mm, particularly 70 to 100 mm, but is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the absorbent body includes the flexible member layer, but even if the width of the absorbent core layer is the same as the conventional one, the fitting property and the feeling of wearing are not impaired. is there. However, the width of the absorbent core layer can be changed as appropriate in relation to the width of the flexible member layer. In the present invention, the absorbent body including the absorbent core layer is not rectangular but may be an hourglass shape. In these cases, the width of the absorbent core layer means the minimum width of the crotch portion.

  The absolute value of the width (average value) of the absorbent core layer is also important, but the distance between the absorbent core layer and further the absorber and the elastic body of the foot gathers is important. Conventionally, the distance between the absorbent core layer and the elastic body of the foot gathers has been required to be a certain value or more, typically 25 mm or more. In the present invention, a flexible member layer is added to the absorbent body. However, the distance between the absorbent core layer and the elastic body of the foot gathers can be maintained at the constant value, for example, about 25 mm. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Since the absorbent body includes the flexible member layer, even if the distance between the absorbent core layer and the elastic body of the foot gathers is increased, the distance between the elastic body of the foot gathers is reduced as the absorbent body. It is possible to maintain and improve fit, water absorption and water retention.

(Flexible member layer)
In the present embodiment, the pair of both side portions S, S of the absorbent body has a flexible member layer 73 adjacent to the absorbent core layer 71 of the central portion M of the absorbent body.

  The flexible member layer 73 includes a web including long fibers having an average fiber length of 70 mm or more and a superabsorbent polymer (SAP).

  In addition, the average fiber length of long fibers shall be measured according to C method prescribed | regulated to JISL1015.

  When the flexible member layer includes a web containing long fibers having an average fiber length of 70 mm or more, the web containing the long fibers is flexible and has the ability to absorb stress. Therefore, the flexibility and fit of the absorbent member layer and the absorbent body are improved, and the comfort when the disposable diaper 1 is worn is improved. Moreover, a flexible member layer has an absorptivity and water retention property by including a superabsorbent polymer especially.

  Here, in this specification, a long fiber should just be a fiber whose average fiber length is 70 mm or more, and it is preferable that they are 80 mm or more and 100 mm or more. It is preferable to be a tow in which a bundle of continuous filaments is oriented in one direction, and further tow continuous filaments obtained by opening the tow. The continuous filament is preferably present over the entire length in the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent body (flexible member layer).

  Since the flexible member layer is made of continuous tow filaments that are opened, the web entangled with the long continuous filaments is excellent in flexibility and has a high ability to absorb stress. This increases the comfort of wearing disposable diapers. In addition, the continuous filament of tow with the flexible member layer opened is excellent as a material having flexibility because it has a high ability to recover from deformation when stress is lost. Moreover, even if a disposable diaper is packed in a package in a compressed state, there is an effect that the bulk of the flexible member layer is easily and instantaneously restored when taken out from the package. In addition, when the flexible member layer is made of a continuous filament of tow, the fluid such as body fluid that has reached the flexible member layer moves along the direction in which the filament is oriented (longitudinal direction L). Since the opportunity to contact the superabsorbent polymer existing over a wider range increases, the liquid absorption amount of the absorbent body 7 can be increased.

  A tow continuous filament refers to a continuous filament constituting a tow (fiber bundle). As the tow continuous filament, those having hydrophilicity or those having no hydrophilicity are preferably treated with hydrophilicity, for example, polysaccharides or derivatives thereof (cellulose, cellulose ester, chitin, chitosan, etc.), Synthetic polymers (polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyester, polylactamamide, polyvinyl acetate, etc.) can be used, and cellulose esters and cellulose are particularly preferable.

  As cellulose, cellulose derived from plants such as cotton, linter, and wood pulp, bacterial cellulose, and the like can be used. Regenerated cellulose such as rayon may be used, and the regenerated cellulose may be a spun fiber. The shape and size of cellulose is a continuous fiber that can be regarded as a substantially infinite length and has a long diameter of several millimeters to several centimeters (for example, 1 mm to 5 cm), and a particle diameter of about several microns (for example, 1 to 100 μm). Can be selected from various sizes up to a fine powder. Cellulose may be fibrillated, such as beaten pulp.

  Examples of the cellulose ester include organic acid esters such as cellulose acetate, cellulose butyrate, and cellulose propionate; mixed acid esters such as cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate phthalate, and cellulose nitrate acetate; polycaprolactone graft Cellulose ester derivatives such as hydrogenated cellulose ester can be used. These cellulose esters can be used alone or in admixture of two or more. The viscosity average degree of polymerization of the cellulose ester is, for example, about 50 to 900, preferably about 200 to 800. The average substitution degree of the cellulose ester is, for example, about 1.5 to 3.0 (for example, 2 to 3).

  The average degree of polymerization of the cellulose ester can be, for example, 10 to 1000, preferably 50 to 900, more preferably about 200 to 800, and the average degree of substitution of the cellulose ester is, for example, about 1 to 3, preferably 1 to 1. 2.15, more preferably about 1.1 to 2.0. The average degree of substitution of the cellulose ester can be selected from the viewpoint of enhancing biodegradability.

As the cellulose ester, an organic acid ester (for example, an ester with an organic acid having about 2 to 4 carbon atoms), particularly cellulose acetate is suitable. This is because cellulose acetate can increase the porosity and is suitable for reducing the density of the region where tow exists.
Thus, by making the area | region where the tow | toe exists in the flexible member layer 73 low-density, since a temporary water storage space can be formed, it contributes to the improvement of the absorption speed of the absorber 7, and the increase in absorption amount.

  The degree of acetylation of cellulose acetate is often about 43 to 62%, but about 30 to 50% is particularly preferable because it is excellent in biodegradability.

  The fineness of the continuous tow filament can be, for example, 1 to 16 denier, preferably 1 to 10 denier, and more preferably about 2 to 8 denier. The continuous filaments of tow may be non-crimped fibers, but are preferably crimped fibers. The degree of crimp of the crimped fibers can be, for example, 5 to 75, preferably 10 to 50, and more preferably 15 to 50 per inch (2.54 cm). Further, a crimped fiber that is uniformly crimped is often used. When crimped fibers are used, a bulky and light absorbent material can be manufactured, and a tow with high integrity can be easily manufactured by entanglement between the fibers. The cross-sectional shape of the tow constituting fiber is not particularly limited, and may be any one of, for example, a circular shape, an oval shape, an irregular shape (for example, a Y shape, an X shape, an I shape, an R shape) or a hollow shape. Also good. The tow continuous filament is used in the form of a tow (fiber bundle) formed by bundling, for example, about 3,000 to 1,000,000, preferably 10,000 to 100,000 single fibers. be able to.

  The continuous filament of tow can be obtained by opening the tow as a raw material by a known method, and at that time, it can be opened in a strip shape so as to have a desired size and bulk. The opening width of the tow is arbitrary, and can be, for example, about 100 to 2000 mm, preferably about 150 to 1500 mm. It is preferable to open the tow because the superabsorbent polymer can be moved more easily. Moreover, the porosity of the flexible member layer can be adjusted by adjusting the degree of tow opening.

  Tow opening methods include, for example, a method in which tow is spread over a plurality of opening rolls, and the tow width is gradually expanded as the tow progresses, and tow tension (elongation) and relaxation (contraction) And the like, and a method of widening and opening using compressed air can be used.

In the present embodiment, the flexible member layer includes a superabsorbent polymer (SAP). Since the flexible member layer contains the superabsorbent polymer (SAP), the flexible member layer also has water absorbency, so that the water absorption performance can be improved as compared with the case of the long fiber web alone.
In addition, the flexible member with which the absorbent article which concerns on this invention is provided is not limited to the said structure, It is good also as a structure which does not contain a superabsorbent polymer.

  The superabsorbent polymer (SAP) can be the same as described for the central absorbent core layer.

  The content ratio of the long fiber and the superabsorbent polymer in the flexible member layer is preferably long fiber: superabsorbent polymer = 1/9 to 9/1, more preferably 3/7 to 7/3.

Range of the basis weight of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) in the flexible member layer (average value) is preferably 50 to 200 g / ^{m 2,} more preferably 80 to 150 g / ^{m 2.} The lower limit value of the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer (SAP) is selected from the viewpoint of water absorption, and the upper limit value is selected from the viewpoint of maintaining the flexibility of the long fiber web.
The basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer in the flexible member layer can be easily set at the time of production, but when measuring in a product absorbent body, the dimension of the flexible member layer is measured before the high weight from the flexible member layer. It can be calculated by carefully removing only the absorbent polymer and measuring the mass of the removed superabsorbent polymer.

  The density (average value) of the flexible member layer can be obtained by measuring the volume and mass of the flexible member layer. However, since the flexible member layer is relatively uniform, a part of the flexible member layer is cut out and the volume is obtained. And may be determined by measuring the mass.

  As an index of flexibility of the flexible member layer (or the long fiber web constituting the flexible member layer), the rate of change of the following compression deformation test can be used, and the flexible member layer changes according to the compression deformation test. The rate is preferably 10% or more, more preferably 15% or more, or 20% or more. This is a preferable value from the viewpoint of the rate of change suitable for having flexibility with respect to the absorbent core layer. Note that the rate of change in the compression deformation test of the absorbent core is, for example, about 8%.

Here, the compression deformation test is performed by the following method.
(1) About a target member (a flexible member layer, an absorption core layer, etc.) in an absorber or an absorber, a thickness measuring device (FS-60DS manufactured by Daiei Kagaku Seiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd.) is used in the same manner as the above-described thickness measuring method. Using five different parts of the member under standard conditions (temperature 23 ± 2 ° C., relative humidity 50 ± 5%), measuring surface 18 mm (diameter), measuring pressure 2.5 g / cm ^2. Press and measure the thickness after 10 seconds at each site. Then, the average value of the five measured values and low load thickness W _L of the member.
(2) A spring is attached to the measurement device, the measurement pressure is adjusted to 10 g / cm ^2, and the thicknesses of the five different parts are measured in the same manner. And let the average value of five measured values be the high load thickness _WH of this member.
(3) The change rate of the thickness in each of the low load and the high load is calculated by the following calculation formula (1).
(W _H -W _L ) / W _L × 100 (1)

The range of the basis weight (average value) of the flexible member layer (including the long fibers and the superabsorbent polymer) is preferably 100 to 400 g / m ² , more preferably 160 to 300 g / m ² . The range of the basis weight (average value) of the web including long fibers excluding the superabsorbent polymer from the flexible member layer is preferably 50 to 200 g / m ² , more preferably 80 to 150 g / m ² . From the viewpoint of ensuring the flexibility of the flexible member layer, the lower limit of these numerical ranges, from the viewpoint of not overdamaging the wearing feeling because it becomes too bulky when applied to the absorbent article, respectively. It is determined.

  The width of the flexible member layer is preferably 30:70 to 95: 5 in a ratio of (width of the central absorbent core layer) :( total width of the flexible member layers on both sides), and 50:50 to 70. : 30 is more preferable, but it varies depending on the configuration of the central absorbent core layer, the flexible member layer, the side absorbent core layer, and the like, and is not limited thereto. It is determined in consideration of the balance between the absorption performance of the entire absorbent body and the fit by the flexible member layer.

  The absolute value of the width of the flexible member layer is also important, but the distance between it and the elastic body of the foot gather is important. Conventionally, the distance between the absorbent core layer and the elastic body of the foot gathers is required to be a certain value or more, typically 25 mm or more, and further 30 mm or more. In the present invention, the absorbent body includes an absorbent core layer and a flexible member layer, but the distance between the flexible member layer and the elastic body of the foot gathers is less than the above-mentioned fixed value, for example, less than 25 mm, further 20 mm or less, 18 mm. Hereinafter, it can be 15 mm or less, 13 mm or less, and 10 mm or less. Since the distance between the absorbent body (flexible member layer) and the elastic body of the foot gathers can be made smaller than before, the fit, water absorption and water retention are improved.

(Flap part)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, in the present embodiment, an exterior sheet 9 is disposed longer and wider than the absorbent element 2 on the clothing side surface of the absorbent element 2. Has a fixing portion 91. In the exterior sheet 9, the outer side in the width direction W than the fixed portion 91 is a non-fixed end portion that is freely movable so as to extend to the outer side in the width direction W of the absorbent body 7. 90 and 90 are formed. The width direction edge of each of the flap parts 90 and 90 is folded, and the elastic member 13 for foot gathers is arrange | positioned so that it may extend in the longitudinal direction L of the diaper 1 in the meantime.

  Examples of the flap portion include a waterproof nonwoven fabric, a synthetic resin film such as polyethylene and polypropylene, and a composite sheet of a nonwoven fabric and a synthetic resin film (for example, a breathable synthetic resin film on a nonwoven fabric such as spunbond and spunlace). Bonded composite film), SMS nonwoven fabric in which a melt-blown nonwoven fabric with high water resistance is sandwiched between strong spunbond nonwoven fabrics, and the like can be used.

  In the present embodiment, the flap portions 90, 90 are on the clothing surface side of the back sheet 5, and the fixing portion 91 is provided at a position overlapping the pair of both side portions S, S of the absorber in the thickness direction T.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG.1 and FIG.3, the elastic member 13 for foot gathers is extended in the longitudinal direction L in the width direction W outer side from the fixing | fixed part 91 in the flap parts 90 and 90. As shown in FIG. Are arranged and fixed in a stretched state.

At the time of wearing, the flap portions 90 and 90 become foot retraction portions, which are contracted in the direction around the thighs (longitudinal direction of the flap portions) by the contraction force of the elastic members 13 for each foot retraction gather, and each foot retraction Since the outer ends of the flap portions 90, 90 are pulled around the thigh due to the contraction force of the gathering elastic member 13, the flap portions 90, 90 stand up from the absorber on the outer side in the width direction W of the absorber 7. Form a footstep gather.
In addition, the arrangement | positioning position and number of the elastic members for footstep gathers are not limited to the above, Each can be suitably changed, unless the standup effect | action of the below-mentioned flexible member layer is inhibited.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view taken along line III-III ′ when the diaper shown in FIG. 1 is worn. In FIG. 4, the elastic members 13 for the foot gathers of the flap portions 90, 90 form a foot foot, and are attached to the left and right thighs of the diaper shown in the figure, and stand from the absorbent body (absorber body). , The flap portions 90, 90 form a foot gather.

  The disposable diaper 1 receives stress with respect to the center part of the width direction from a wearer at the time of wear. At that time, the central portion M of the absorbent body 7 is composed of an absorbent core layer, and is relatively rigid, so that it is difficult to deform. On the other hand, the both side portions S, S of the absorbent body 7 are made of the flexible member layer 73 and have relatively low rigidity, so that they are easily deformed so as to rise to the skin surface side. Moreover, each of the flap parts 90 and 90 forms a footstep gather, and this also deforms so as to fit the wearer's footstep while standing on the skin surface side.

  As described above, when a flexible member layer is added to both sides of the absorbent body in the width direction, and the joint portion of the flap part that forms the foot gathers is arranged on both sides of the absorbent body, the flexible member layer is flexible. Therefore, the elastic member for footing acts so that the part of the flexible member layer of the absorber rises from the absorbent core layer, and the foot gathers can easily follow up and follow the width of the absorber. Since the direction end portion is arranged close to the footstep gather, the fit property and the side leakage prevention performance in the footstep of the absorbent article are improved. Moreover, due to the difference in rigidity at the boundary between the absorbent core layer and the flexible member layer, the boundary line becomes the starting point of the flexible member layer, and the absorbent body has a shape suitable for receiving excrement etc., and the absorbent body. Since the width of the absorbent body can be further increased by adding a flexible member layer to the foot gather, the absorption performance and the function of preventing the foot gather from leaking can be improved.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG.1 and FIG.3, each of the flap parts 90 and 90 is between the fixing part 91 and the width direction edge of the flap part 90 in the width direction W, In addition, an auxiliary elastic member 131 for foot gathers is provided at a position overlapping both side portions S, S of the absorbent body 7 in the thickness direction T.
With this configuration, the contraction force of the auxiliary elastic member acts so as to raise the flexible member layer existing on both sides of the absorber, thereby reinforcing the rising property of the flexible member layer in the foot gathers. Moreover, you may arrange | position another auxiliary | assistant elastic member in the position which overlaps with the flexible member layer in an absorber in the thickness direction. With this configuration, it is possible to make the absorbent flexible member layer stand up further along the body by contracting the elastic member layer with the elastic member.

  Regarding the distance between the absorbent body and the elastic body of the foot gathers, conventionally, the distance between the absorbent core layer and the elastic body of the foot gathers generally requires 25 mm or more, further 30 mm or more. It had been. In the present invention, the absorbent body includes an absorbent core layer and flexible member layers on both sides thereof, but the distance between the end of the absorbent body (flexible member layer) and the elastic body of the foot gathers is less than 25 mm, for example, It can be 20 mm or less, 18 mm or less, 15 mm or less, 13 mm or less, or 10 mm or less. In the present invention, since the distance between the absorbent body (flexible member layer) and the elastic body of the foot gathers can be made smaller than before, the fit in the crotch is improved, and water absorption / water retention (side leakage prevention property) is further improved. ) Can also be improved.

  In the above, the distance between the absorbent body (flexible member layer) and the elastic body of the foot gathers refers to the distance between the crotch, and further, between the absorbent body (soft member layer) and the elastic body of the foot gathers. It is appropriate to use the shortest distance as the distance. For example, the above-mentioned distance can be measured at the crotch portion of the absorbent body, and the value when the average value in the length direction of 10 mm becomes the minimum can be set as the shortest distance. At this time, the position of the elastic body is not the axis of the elongated elastic body but the edge of the elastic body close to the absorber side is the position of the elastic body.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 5 is a development view of the disposable diaper 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI ′ shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a cross section taken along line VI-VI ′ shown in FIG. 5 when worn.

  The disposable diaper 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is basically the same as the first embodiment except for the structure of a three-dimensional gather formed by the leak-proof wall member 19 and the like, and has the same function. In order to achieve the effect, the same reference numerals are assigned and detailed description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG.5 and FIG.6, in this embodiment, the disposable diaper 10 is extended in the longitudinal direction L of the absorber 7, and is a pair of leak-proof walls arrange | positioned so that the both-sides part of the absorption element 2 may be covered. Members 19 and 19 are provided.

  In each of the pair of leak-proof wall members 19, 19, two elastic members 191 that contact the wearer's buttocks extend along the longitudinal direction L so as to extend along the inner edge in the width direction W. They are arranged and fixed in an extended state. Moreover, the edge of the width direction W outer side of each of a pair of leak-proof wall members 19 and 19 is inside the edge of the width direction outer side of the flap part 90, and is located in the outer side of the absorption element 2, and is a flap. The standing end 193 extending in the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent body 7 is defined by being fixed to the portion 90 with an adhesive.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the disposable diaper 10 is worn, each of the leak-proof wall members 19, 19 is a pair of three-dimensional gathers that stand on the inner side in the width direction of the absorbent body 7 as the elastic member 191 contracts. Form. (See Figures 6-7)

  Since the disposable diaper 10 has a three-dimensional gather, even if a body fluid leaks from the absorbent body 7 or the absorbent element 2, the body fluid is blocked by the three-dimensional gather and can be prevented from leaking from the disposable diaper 10.

(Modification 1)
Furthermore, as a first modification of the second embodiment, the standing end of the leak-proof wall member is disposed on the skin surface side of the absorbent body at a position overlapping with the pair of both side portions of the absorbent body in the thickness direction T. Also good.
With this configuration, the standing end of the leak-proof wall is arranged at a position overlapping with both side portions of the absorber in the thickness direction, so that the three-dimensional gather rises the flexible member layer existing on both side portions of the absorber when standing up. It acts like this and reinforces the action of rising of the flexible member layer by the foot gather. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the leak-proof wall forming the three-dimensional gather can stand upright so as to be substantially perpendicular to the absorber central portion M extending in the plane direction.

(Modification 2)
Furthermore, as a second modification, the pair of flap portions and the pair of leak-proof wall members are made of the same member and may be connected to each other. With this configuration, when the absorbent body is deformed when worn, the pair of flap portions and the leak-proof wall member are interlocked and deformed following the flexible member layers existing on both sides of the absorbent body, so that both members are further raised. Easy to do.

(Modification 3)
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a cross-section in the width direction of an absorber 70 according to a modification. In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the absorbent body 7 includes the absorbent core layer 71 in the central portion M and the flexible member layers 73 in the side portions S, S. The absorbent body included in the absorbent article according to the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the absorbent body 70 according to Modification 3 includes a central absorbent core layer 71 at the central portion M and a web layer (also referred to as a central web layer) 77 containing long fibers, and has a cross section. As viewed, the central portion M has a two-layer structure of a central absorbent core layer 71 and a central web layer 77, and the central absorbent core layer 71 is on the skin surface side of the central web layer 77, and The central web layer 77 is disposed adjacent to the central web layer 77. Further, the absorbent body 70 includes a side absorption core layer 79 and a flexible member layer 73 in each of the pair of both side portions S and S, and each of the side portions S and S in the sectional view is side absorption. The core layer 79 and the flexible member layer 73 have a two-layer structure, and the side absorbent core layer 79 is disposed on the skin surface side of the flexible member layer 73 and adjacent to the flexible member layer 73. ing.

  In the present modification, the central absorbent core layer 71 and the side absorbent core layer 79 are continuously present in the width direction W of the absorbent body 70. With such a configuration, when the wearer wears the absorbent article, when receiving stress from the opposite side portions S, S toward the central portion M of the absorbent body, both side portions S, S and the central portion M Even when the boundary portion of the absorbent core is bent and the absorbent body is deformed along the boundary portion, the side absorbent core layer is deformed while maintaining an integral shape with the central absorbent core layer, and the liquid of the absorbent article Can prevent side leakage and rash when attached.

(Side absorption core layer)
In Modification 3, each of the pair of both side portions S, S of the absorbent body has a side absorbent core layer 79 that overlaps the flexible member layer 73 in the thickness direction on the skin surface side of the flexible member layer 73.

  In the present modification, the side absorbent core layer 79 includes water-absorbing fibers that absorb and retain liquid excrement and a superabsorbent polymer, like the central absorbent layer core 71.

  The water absorbent fibers and the superabsorbent polymer in the side absorbent core layer 79 can be the same as described in the central absorbent core layer 71.

The basis weight (average value) of the side absorbent core layer 79 is preferably 30 to 400 g / m ² , particularly 50 to 200 g / m ² , but is not limited thereto. If the basis weight of the side absorbent core layer 79 is small, the water absorption and water retention will be insufficient, and even if the basis weight of the side absorption core layer is too large, the water absorption and water retention will only be excessive, resulting in high costs. In addition, the rigidity becomes high and the feeling of wearing becomes inferior.

Density of side absorbent core layer (average value), preferably 0.01~0.2g / cm ^3, and more preferably from 0.05~0.15g / cm ^3, but is not limited thereto. It is preferable from a viewpoint suitable for holding and fixing the excrement sufficiently.

  The thickness of the side part absorption core layer 79 becomes like this. Preferably it is 0.5-5 mm, More preferably, it is 0.5-2 mm.

  The basis weight of the side absorbent core layer 79 is preferably smaller than the basis weight of the central absorbent core layer 71. Since the absorbent performance of the absorbent body is mainly borne by the central absorbent core layer 71 and it is important that the flexible member layers have flexibility on both sides, the side absorbent core layer 79 is made of the flexible member layer. This is because the purpose is to reinforce the water absorption performance of the flexible member layer and reduce the rewetting of the absorbent article within a range that does not impair the flexibility.

  In the present modification, the lengths of the flexible member layer 73 and the side absorbent core layer 79 in the width direction W are the same, but in the absorbent body provided in the absorbent article according to the present invention, the flexible member layer and the side portion Either one of the absorbent core layers may be longer than the other.

  Thus, in each of a pair of both side parts, an absorbent body has an absorption core layer in the skin surface side part rather than a flexible member layer, Therefore Water absorption power in the width direction both sides of the skin surface side of an absorbent article Therefore, the rewetting on the skin surface side of the absorbent article can be reduced, and the rash at the time of wearing can be further suppressed. In addition, since the superabsorbent polymer contained in the flexible member layer can be prevented from flowing out to the skin surface side, the discomfort that the wearer feels the unevenness of the superabsorbent polymer on the skin surface of the absorbent article is reduced. Can be made. In addition, when the basis weight of each of the absorbent core layers on both sides of the absorbent body is smaller than the basis weight of the absorbent core layer on the central part, when subjected to stress from both side parts of the absorbent body toward the central part, Compared to the case where there is no difference in basis weight between the absorbent core layer at the center and the absorbent core layer at the center, it is difficult to inhibit the deformation of the flexible member layer present on both sides of the absorber. It is easy to ensure the function of absorbing the stress caused by the existing flexible member layer, and the pair of flap portions are also deformed following the flexible member layer and are easy to stand up as described later.

The difference between the basis weight of the side absorbent core layer 79 and the basis weight of the central absorbent core layer 71 is preferably 10 g / m ² or more, particularly 30 g / m ² or more, but the present invention is not limited thereto. .

  In the present modification, the central absorbent core layer 71 and the side absorbent core layer 79 are continuously present in the width direction W of the absorbent body 7. With such a configuration, when the wearer wears a disposable diaper, when receiving stress from the opposite sides S, S of the absorbent body 7 toward the central portion M, the opposite sides S, S and the central portion M Even when the absorbent body 7 is deformed along the boundary portion, the side absorbent core layer 79 is deformed while maintaining an integral shape with the central absorbent core layer 71, and the disposable diaper Side leakage of liquid and rash when attached.

(Central web layer)
As described above, in Modification 3, as shown in FIG. 9, the central portion M of the absorbent body has a two-layer structure of the absorbent core layer 71 and the central web layer 77, and the central web layer 77 is composed of the central portion. It is provided on the clothing surface side of the absorbent core layer 71 and joined to the central absorbent core layer 71. The central web layer may not contain the superabsorbent polymer, particularly when it is provided on the clothing surface side, but does not exclude the inclusion.

  When such a center part web layer 77 exists, when the stress which goes to the center part from the both sides of an absorber is received, the flexible member layer containing the long fiber web which exists in the both sides of an absorber only absorbs stress. In addition, since the central web layer absorbs stress even in the central portion, the collapse of the absorbent core layer is caused by the stress spreading to the absorbent core layer existing in the central portion of the absorber, compared to the case where there is no central web layer. Can be suppressed. In addition, since the central web layer is excellent in the ability to retain an integral shape, if the central web layer is adhered to the absorbent core layer, the absorbent core layer can absorb the liquid and swell after it has swollen. Since the central web layer supports the absorbent body and can suppress the collapse thereof, it is possible to improve the wearing feeling of the absorbent article.

The density (average value) range of the central web layer (not including the superabsorbent polymer) is 5 to 50 g / m ³ , more preferably 20 to 40 g / m ³ . The density of the central web layer and the web constituting it is selected so that the flexibility is a suitable value compared to the absorbent core layer.
The density of the central web layer can be measured by the same method as the measurement of the density of the flexible member layer.

The range of the basis weight (average value) of the central web layer (not including the superabsorbent polymer) is 5 to 50 g / m ² , more preferably 20 to 40 g / m ² . When the central web layer contains a superabsorbent polymer, the basis weight (average value) of the central web layer is preferably 10 to 100 g / m ² , more preferably 30 to 70 g / m ^2. . From the viewpoint of ensuring the flexibility of the central web layer, the lower limit of these numerical ranges, from the viewpoint that the upper limit is too bulky when applied to the absorbent article, and does not impair the wearing feeling. Each is decided.

(Relative relationship between the center and both sides)
The basis weight of the web including the long fibers excluding the superabsorbent polymer from the flexible member layer is larger than the basis weight of the web including the long fibers of the central web layer (not including the superabsorbent polymer). One preferred embodiment. The absorbent performance of the absorbent body is mainly borne by the central absorbent core layer 71, and since it is important that the flexible member layers have flexibility on both sides, the flexible member layers are sufficient to ensure flexibility. On the other hand, it is possible to improve the flexibility of the absorbent body as a whole by cooperating with the long fiber web of the flexible member layer as long as the central web layer does not impair the absorption performance of the central absorbent core layer. Because it can.

The difference between the basis weight (average value) of the web including the long fibers excluding the superabsorbent polymer from the flexible member layer and the basis weight of the web including the long fibers of the central web layer (not including the superabsorbent polymer) is 20 g / m ² or more, more preferably 30 g / m ² or more. Further, the difference in basis weight (average value) of the flexible member layer (including the long fibers and the superabsorbent polymer) and the basis weight of the central web layer when the central web layer includes the superabsorbent polymer is 50 g. / M ² or more, more preferably 80 g / m ² or more. These numerical ranges are selected from the viewpoint of ensuring the flexibility and water absorption performance of the absorbent body of the present invention.

  Although it does not necessarily limit, in one preferable aspect, each thickness of the both sides of an absorber is thicker than the thickness of a center part. When there is a difference in thickness at the boundary between the both sides and the center of the absorbent body, when the wearer wears the absorbent article, when the stress is applied from the both sides of the absorbent body toward the center, The boundary part becomes a starting point, and the absorbent body is easily deformed along the boundary part into a substantially boat shape, that is, a shape suitable for receiving the excrement etc. of the wearer. It is possible to further suppress the opportunity to come into contact with.

  In this case, the difference between the thickness of each side portion of the absorbent body and the thickness of the central portion is preferably 0.5 mm or more, and more preferably 1 mm or more. Here, the thickness of the both side parts and the center part of an absorber can be measured according to the measuring method of the said thickness. The thickness of the central portion of the absorber is relatively uniform, and the thickness can be easily measured. The average thickness can be used to represent the thickness of the central portion. Since it is not uniform, it is appropriate to measure the maximum thickness in the width direction W and to represent the thickness of both sides of the absorbent body with the average value of the maximum thickness in the longitudinal direction.

  Although it is not necessarily limited, it is preferable that the density of each (flexible member layer + absorbent core layer) of both sides of the absorbent body is smaller than the density of the central portion (absorbent core layer + central web layer). This is because in order for both sides of the absorbent body to have flexibility, it is necessary to have flexibility, and it is desirable that the density is smaller than that of the central portion.

The difference between the densities of the respective density and the central portion of the side portions of the absorbent body, 0.03 g / cm ³ or more, and further preferably not 0.05 g / cm ³ or more. The density (average value) of both side portions and the central portion of the absorbent body may be obtained from the respective volumes and masses by regarding the both side portions and the central portion as one body, or the flexible member layer and the absorbent core layer on both side portions. The density of each side is determined by the weighted average to be the density of both sides (average value), and the density of each of the central absorbent core layer and the central web layer is determined and the density of the central portion (average value) by the weighted average ).

  In addition, the structure of the absorber with which the absorbent article which concerns on this invention is provided is not limited to the aspect of said embodiment and a modification. In still another modification, for example, the absorbent body has a two-layer structure of the central absorbent core layer and the central web layer in the central part M, and the central absorbent core layer is more than the central web layer. You may arrange | position so that it may adjoin to the clothing surface side and a center part web layer.

  Further, the absorbent body has a three-layer structure of a central absorbent core layer and two central web layers in the central part M, and the central absorbent core layer is on the skin surface side and clothing than the central web layer. You may be arrange | positioned so that it may be pinched by the surface side and the center part web layer.

  Furthermore, the absorbent body has a two-layer structure of a side absorbent core layer and a flexible member layer on each of the side portions S, S, and the side absorbent core layer is on the clothing surface side and more flexible than the flexible member layer. You may arrange | position so that a member layer may be adjoined.

  Further, the absorbent body has a three-layer structure of a side absorbent core layer and a flexible member layer in each of the side portions S, S, and the side absorbent core layer is on the skin surface side and the clothing surface than the flexible member layer. You may arrange | position so that it may be clamped by the side and the flexible member layer.

  Moreover, the absorber does not need to have the same structure in each of both sides S and S. For example, one of the side portions S, S has a two-layer structure of a side absorbent core layer and a flexible member layer, and the side absorbent core layer is on the clothing surface side of the flexible member layer, and the flexible member layer. The other of the two side portions S, S has a three-layer structure of a side absorbent core layer and a flexible member layer, and the side absorbent core layer is skinned more than the flexible member layer. You may arrange | position so that it may be clamped by the surface side and the clothing surface side, and a flexible member layer.

  Further, the absorbent body has both sides S, S, and the side absorbent core layer and the flexible member layer are both sized (size, thickness, etc.) and composition (types of long fibers and superabsorbent polymer, Ratio, etc.), basis weight, etc. are not the same on both sides and may be different.

  The absorbent article of the present invention can be applied to other absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins and incontinence pads in addition to tape-type and pants-type disposable diapers.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 10 Disposable diaper 2 Absorption element 3 Top sheet 5 Back sheet 7, 70 Absorber 13 Elastic member for foot gathers 71 Center part absorption core layer 73 Flexible member layer 77 Center part web layer 79 Side part absorption core layer 90 Flap part 91 Fixing part 19 Leak-proof wall member 191 Elastic member for contact with buttocks 193 Standing end

Claims (9)

An absorbent element having an absorbent body having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction; a top sheet that covers the absorbent body on the skin surface side; and a back sheet that covers the clothing surface side; and the width direction of the absorbent body An absorbent article comprising a pair of flap portions extending outward and extending in the longitudinal direction,
The absorbent body is partitioned in the width direction into a central portion extending in the longitudinal direction and a pair of both side portions extending in the longitudinal direction on both sides of the central portion,
The absorbent body has an absorbent core layer in the central portion, and a flexible member layer including a web including long fibers having an average fiber length of 70 mm or more on the pair of both side portions,
Each of the pair of flap portions has a fixing portion at a position overlapping with the pair of both side portions of the absorber in the thickness direction, and extends in the longitudinal direction outside the fixing portion in the width direction. Therefore, when worn, each of the pair of flap portions has a pair of foot gathers standing on the outside of the absorber by contracting the elastic members for foot gathers. Forming ,
The absorbent body further includes a web layer including long fibers having an average fiber length of 70 mm or more in the central portion, and a basis weight of the web including long fibers obtained by removing the superabsorbent polymer from the flexible member layer. An absorbent article having a basis weight greater than that of the web including the long fibers in the central portion .   2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein each of the pair of flap portions further includes an elastic member at a position overlapping with both side portions of the absorber in the thickness direction. The absorbent body has an absorbent core layer on the skin surface side of the flexible member layer in each of the pair of both side portions, and the basis weight of each of the absorbent core layers on the both side portions is The absorptive article according to claim 1 or 2 less than the basic weight of said absorption core layer of a central part. The absorbent article further includes a pair of leak-proof wall members extending in the longitudinal direction on both sides in the width direction on the skin surface side of the absorbent body, and each of the pair of leak-proof wall members includes: It has a standing end extending in the longitudinal direction at each outer end in the width direction, and has an elastic member extending in the longitudinal direction at each inner end in the width direction. a pair of leak-barrier walls member, the elastic member to contact and contract in the groin, to form a pair of standing gathers which stand up on the inside of the absorbent body, according to any one of claims 1 to 3 Absorbent articles. The absorbent article according to claim 4 , wherein the pair of flap portions and the pair of leak-proof wall members are connected to each other. The absorbent article as described in any one of Claims 1-5 by which hydrophobic material is arrange | positioned in the skin surface side part in the both sides of the said absorber. The absorptive article according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in which said long fiber of said flexible member layer consists of a continuous filament of opened tow. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the absorbent core layer and the flexible member layer of the absorbent body are wrapped with a core wrap. An absorbent element having an absorbent body having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction; a top sheet that covers the absorbent body on the skin surface side; and a back sheet that covers the clothing surface side; and the width direction of the absorbent body An absorbent article comprising a pair of flap portions extending outward and extending in the longitudinal direction,
The absorbent body is partitioned in the width direction into a central portion extending in the longitudinal direction and a pair of both side portions extending in the longitudinal direction on both sides of the central portion,
The absorbent body has an absorbent core layer in the central portion, and a flexible member layer including a web including long fibers having an average fiber length of 70 mm or more on the pair of both side portions,
Each of the pair of flap portions has a fixing portion at a position overlapping with the pair of both side portions of the absorber in the thickness direction, and extends in the longitudinal direction outside the fixing portion in the width direction. and have a deployed leg hole gather elastic member in a stretched state,
The absorbent body further includes a web layer including long fibers having an average fiber length of 70 mm or more in the central portion, and a basis weight of the web including long fibers obtained by removing the superabsorbent polymer from the flexible member layer. An absorbent article having a basis weight greater than that of the web including the long fibers in the central portion .

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