JP7093653B2 - Absorbent article - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an absorbent article.

Conventionally, disposable diapers such as pad type, tape type and pants type, sanitary napkins and the like are known as absorbent articles. Most of the absorbent articles are substantially flat and are configured to be worn in a predetermined orientation according to the shape of the body.

Some of such absorbent articles have been devised so that the orientation of the absorbent articles can be recognized even when they are worn in a dark place where light is scarce. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article provided with irregularities that can be recognized by the sensation of the fingertips of a hand.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-46263

However, in the absorbent article disclosed in Patent Document 1, the thickness of the convex portion is larger than the thickness around the convex portion, and such a thickness does not change even after the absorbent article is attached. Therefore, if the area including the convex portion is compressed after the absorbent article is attached, for example, if the convex portion is sandwiched between the body and the bedding, the convex portion may hit the body and cause a sense of discomfort. ..

In view of the above points, it is an object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article in which the wearing direction can be recognized by tactile sensation and the discomfort during wearing is reduced.

The first aspect of the present invention is a substantially planar absorbent article with an absorber, the box fold having a deployable box fold structure in at least one of the front and rear end regions. The structure includes a central portion and side portions connected to each side of the central portion via a connecting portion and arranged on the skin facing surface side of the central portion, and the central portion can be identified by tactile sensation. It has a distinctive body.

According to the first embodiment, at least one of the front and rear end regions has a deployable predetermined box fold structure with a central portion and a lateral portion, and the discriminator is provided in the central portion. I have. Before unfolding, the box fold structure has a central portion and a side portion overlapped with each other, and the central portion provided with the discriminator is in a state of protruding toward the outer surface side. Therefore, the discriminator can be easily identified by tactile sensation. Therefore, the absorbent article can be appropriately worn even in a dark place where light is scarce or even a person with poor eyesight.

Further, the box fold structure of this embodiment can be developed. When the box fold structure is deployed, both sides can be moved away from the center so that the center falls at least partially between the sides. That is, when the absorbent article is attached, the pre-deployment state in which the central portion and the side portion overlap each other can be eliminated, so that the thickness of the central portion provided with the discriminator and the thickness of the side portion are almost uniform. It will be possible to do. Therefore, even when the side where the box fold structure BP is provided is pressed during wearing, it is possible to reduce the discomfort caused by the central portion provided with the identifying body being pressed against the body.

In the second aspect of the present invention, the box fold structure can be developed by pulling both sides thereof outward in the width direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction.

According to the second aspect, the box fold structure can be expanded in the width direction. When mounting the absorbent article, the end area is usually stretched outward in the width direction. Therefore, the box fold structure can be developed by normal natural movement.

In the third aspect of the present invention, in the expanded state of the box fold structure, the thickness of the central portion is substantially equal to the thickness of the side portion or smaller than the thickness of the side portion.

According to the third embodiment, in the expanded state of the box fold structure, the thickness of the central portion provided with the discriminator is approximately equal to the thickness of the side portion or smaller than the thickness of the side portion. It is possible to further reduce the discomfort during wearing that may occur when the discriminator hits the body.

In the fourth aspect of the present invention, the discriminator protrudes from the outer surface opposite to the skin facing surface in the state before the box fold structure is deployed.

According to the fourth aspect, since the discriminator protrudes from the outer surface before the box fold structure is unfolded, tactile discrimination becomes easier.

In the fifth aspect of the present invention, the absorber has a central absorber provided in the central portion and a side absorber provided in each side portion.

According to the fifth aspect, since the central absorber is provided in the central portion of the box fold structure and the side absorber is provided in the side portion, the box fold structure can have cushioning properties, and the box fold structure can have cushioning properties. It is possible to improve the wearing feeling in the end region where the structure is formed. Further, even when the body fluid is transferred to the end region where the box fold structure is provided, the body fluid can be absorbed, so that leakage can be prevented in the end region.

In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the portion of the central absorber in which the discriminator is arranged is smaller than the thickness of the other portion.

According to the sixth embodiment, the portion of the central absorber in which the discriminator is arranged is thinned. Therefore, at the time of mounting, the discriminator can be easily lowered to the skin surface side by unfolding the box fold structure or by pressing it from the outer surface with a small force. Therefore, even if the discriminator is projected, the protrusion is eliminated at the time of mounting, and the discomfort can be reduced.

In the seventh aspect of the present invention, the main portion adjacent to the box fold structure is provided, the absorber has a main portion absorber provided in the main portion, and the main portion absorber is the center. It is a separate body from the partial absorber and the side absorber, and the box fold structure can be developed so that the side portion and the main portion are in contact with each other.

According to the seventh aspect, the main part having the main part absorber is adjacent to the box fold structure, and the main part absorber is separated from the central part absorber and the side part absorber. ing. Therefore, when the box fold structure is deployed, the side portion can be moved so as to come into contact with the main portion in a direction approaching the main portion. As a result, it is possible to prevent the absorber from being distorted due to the movement of the side portion during deployment, so that the wearing feeling can be improved.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide an absorbent article in which the wearing direction can be recognized by tactile sensation and the discomfort during wearing is reduced.

It is a top view which looked at the absorbent article by one form of this invention from the outside. It is a top view of the absorbent article of FIG. 1 seen from the skin facing surface. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II of FIG. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. It is a partial view which shows the state which expanded the box fold structure in the absorbent article of FIG. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. It is a figure which shows the deformation example of the central part in the absorbent article of FIG. FIG. 7A is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 7A. It is a figure which shows the modification of the discriminant body in the absorbent article of FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of an absorbent article according to another embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the outside. It is a partial view which shows the state which expanded the box fold structure in the absorbent article of FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the absorber when the box fold structure is deployed in the absorbent article of FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the absorber when the box fold structure is deployed in the absorbent article of FIG. 9.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, unless otherwise specified, the same or corresponding configurations may be designated by the same reference numerals and description thereof may be omitted.

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of the absorbent article 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention as viewed from an outer surface (a surface opposite to the surface facing the skin when worn). Further, FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the absorbent article 100 of FIG. 1 as viewed from the skin facing surface. Further, FIG. 3 shows a sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 shows a sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be described based on an example of a pad-type disposable diaper (urine collecting pad).

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the absorbent article 100 is provided on the inner sheet 22 provided on the side facing the skin (also referred to as the skin facing surface) at the time of wearing, and on the outer surface on the side opposite to the skin facing surface. It has a substantially planar shape including an outer sheet 21 provided and an absorber 30 provided between the sheets 21 and 22. The substantially flat shape refers to a flat shape (also referred to as a sheet shape or a layer shape) having a thin and wide spread, but also includes a shape having a partially bulged surface.

The inner sheet 22 is liquid permeable and has a function of rapidly permeating body fluid and transferring it to the absorber 30. Further, the outer sheet 21 is impermeable and can prevent leakage of body fluid from the outer surface. The inner sheet 22 may be used as a sheet that comes into direct contact with the skin when worn, or a separate sheet having the same function as the inner sheet 22 may be provided on the inner sheet 22. Further, the outer sheet 21 may also be used as a sheet exposed on the outer surface, or a separate sheet having the same function as the outer sheet 21 may be provided on the outer sheet 21.

As the outer sheet 21, in addition to a polyethylene film or the like, a sheet having moisture permeability without impairing water shielding can be used from the viewpoint of preventing stuffiness. This water-impervious / moisture-permeable sheet is a microporous sheet obtained by melting and kneading an inorganic filler in an olefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene to form a sheet, and then stretching the sheet in a uniaxial or biaxial direction. Can be used.

As the inner sheet 22, a perforated or non-perforated non-woven fabric, a perforated plastic sheet, or the like can be used. As the material fiber constituting the non-woven fabric, olefin-based fibers such as polyethylene and polypropylene, synthetic fibers such as polyester-based and amide-based fibers, recycled fibers such as rayon and cupra, and natural fibers such as cotton can be used.

An intermediate sheet having a function of preventing the reversion of the body fluid absorbed by the absorber 30 may be interposed between the inner sheet 22 and the absorber 30. As the intermediate sheet, it is preferable to use a material having low water retention and high liquid permeability, for example, various non-woven fabrics, mesh films and the like.

At the ends of the absorbent article 100 (both ends of the front-rear direction D1 and both ends of the width direction D2), the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 may be bonded to each other. Even if both ends (both sides) of the absorbent article 100 in the width direction D2 are provided with side nonwoven fabrics or gather sheets incorporating elastic members for forming gathers along the front-rear direction D1. good. In that case, the side non-woven fabric or the gather sheet and the outer sheet 21 may be bonded to each other at both ends of the absorbent article 100. The above bonding can be formed by, for example, a hot melt adhesive, a heat seal, or an ultrasonic seal.

The absorber 30 may be a composite of pulp fibers, an aggregate of filaments such as cellulose acetate, a non-woven fabric, or the like, and may be a mixture or fixation of a highly absorbent polymer such as particles, if necessary. Can be used. In order to prevent the particles from spilling, such as when mixing highly absorbent polymer particles, it is preferable that the absorber 30 is wrapped in a packaging sheet. Further, as the absorber 30, a polymer sheet containing no fibrous material such as pulp can be partially used.

The fiber basis weight of the absorber 30 and the basis weight of the highly absorbent polymer can be appropriately determined, but the fiber basis weight can be 100 to 700 g / m ² , preferably about 100 to 600 g / m ² , and is absorbent. The basis weight of the polymer can be about 50 to 550 g / m ² , preferably about 100 to 350 g / m ² .

The absorber 30 may be a single layer or may be composed of a plurality of layers of two or more layers. Further, the absorber 30 may be wrapped with a packaging sheet such as a non-woven fabric or crepe paper. When the absorber is composed of a plurality of layers, or when the absorber 30 is a separate body as described later (as described later, the central absorber 31, the side absorber 32, and the main absorption body). In the case of being divided into a body 38 or the like), each layer or each absorber may be wrapped with a packaging sheet. The packaging sheet may be uncolored (ie, white) or may be colored. The color can be a color that can make the color of the discharged body fluid inconspicuous, for example, a color close to the color of the body fluid, a complementary color of the color of the body fluid, or a color close to the color.

In this embodiment, the absorbent article 100 has an elongated shape as a whole in a plan view. That is, the absorbent article 100 has a predetermined length in the first direction (front-back direction) D1 and has a predetermined width smaller than the above length in the second direction (width direction) D2 orthogonal to the first direction D1. Have. The length (total length) of the absorbent article 100 in the front-rear direction D1 can be about 350 to 700 mm, and the length (total width) in the width direction D2 can be about 130 to 400 mm. The shape of the absorbent article 100 can be line-symmetrical with the center line extending in the front-rear direction as a line of symmetry, but it does not necessarily have to be line-symmetrical. Further, the configuration of the absorbent article 100 (size, shape, arrangement, etc. of each element such as the inner sheet 21, the outer sheet 22, and the absorber 30) may be line-symmetrical, but the shape and configuration of the absorbent article 100 may be line-symmetrical. Both do not have to be line symmetric.

As shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent article 100 has a front end region F which is a region including a front end portion and a rear end region R which is a region including a rear end portion. The central region M is located between the front end region F and the rear end region R. The central region M may include a crotch-corresponding region C in front of the central region M. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the front end region F and the rear end region R do not include the crotch-corresponding region C, but may include a part of the crotch-corresponding region C. The length of the front end region F and the rear end region R in the front-rear direction D1 can be about 40 to 100 mm. When the absorbent article 100 is attached, the front side (the side of the front end region F) is on the ventral side, and the rear side (the side of the rear end region R) is on the dorsal side. Further, the front end region F and / or the rear end region R may be simply referred to as an end region.

In the present specification, the "crotch corresponding area" means a portion corresponding to the crotch (inseam) of the body at the time of use. The crotch-corresponding region C may be, for example, a range from the center of the absorbent article in the anteroposterior direction or its vicinity to a predetermined position in front of the absorbent article, or may be a predetermined range of the center of the absorbent article in the anteroposterior direction. In the illustrated form, the width of the absorbent article 100 is almost constant, but the absorbent article 100 may have a constricted portion having a narrow width. Then, the region where the constricted portion is formed or a part thereof can be used as the crotch corresponding region.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the absorbent article 100 includes a box pleated structure BP. The box fold structure BP is a fold structure in which creases are butted on the back side (skin facing surface side). The box fold structure BP described above is at least partially expandable. That is, the box folds are not fixed by adhesive or the like, but the box folds can be opened and expanded by pulling with a normal force in the operation at the time of mounting. This box fold structure BP is provided in the front end region F. That is, the box fold structure BP is not provided in the crotch corresponding region C.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the box fold structure BP may have a central portion 41 and two side portions 42 connected to each side of the central portion 41 via a connecting portion 45. .. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the box fold structure BP is not unfolded before the absorbent article is attached. In the undeployed state, both the side portions 42 and 42 are arranged on the skin facing surface side (inner sheet 22 side) of the central portion 41. As a result, before the development of the box fold structure BP, the central portion 41 is in a state of protruding toward the outer surface side (FIG. 3).

The connecting portion 45 connecting the central portion 41 and the side portion 42 is preferably flexible or flexible. As a result, the box fold structure BP can be deployed with a smooth operation and with a small force. In the illustrated form, the connecting portion 45 is configured by laminating the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22. Absorbers can also be placed at the connection 45 if it has the flexibility or flexibility to deploy the box fold structure BP.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a central absorber 31 is arranged in the central portion 41, and a side absorber 32 is arranged in the side portion 42. As a result, cushioning can be imparted to the box fold structure BP, and in particular, the central absorber 31 can serve as a cushioning material between the discriminator 80 described later and the body, so that a feeling of wearing in the end region can be obtained. Can be improved. Further, even when the body fluid has migrated to the end region, the body fluid can be absorbed by the absorber, so that leakage in the end region can be prevented.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the discriminator 80 is provided in the central portion 41 of the box fold structure BP. In the illustrated form, the discriminator 80 is separate from the absorber 30 and is arranged on the outer sheet 21, but the arrangement, shape, material, and the like of the discriminator 80 can be discriminated by tactile sensation. There is no particular limitation as long as it is. By providing the discriminator 80 that can be identified by the sense of touch, even in a dark room or the like where light is scarce, the wearer (the caregiver when the caregiver wears the caregiver) can wear the clothes in the direction of wearing (which is the front and which is the back). Can be easily identified. In addition, even a wearer or a caregiver with weak vision can easily identify the direction of wear.

The absorbent article 100 includes a main portion 48 adjacent to the box fold structure BP. In the illustrated embodiment, the central region M and the rear end region R correspond to the main portion 48. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main portion absorbers 38 and 38 are arranged in the main portion 48. In the form shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main absorbers 38 and 38 are arranged on both sides of the center line in the front-rear direction at intervals in the width direction D2. The main absorbers 38 and 38 are connected to and integrated with the side absorbers 32 and 32, respectively.

In the illustrated embodiment, the two main absorbers 38 and 38 are arranged at intervals, but the main absorbers 38 and 38 may be adhered to each other. Further, another absorber may be fitted between the main absorbers 38 and 38. Further, the main absorbers 38 and 38 can be integrally configured.

In this embodiment, box folds are also formed in the main portion 48. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the box fold is composed of an outer sheet 21 and an inner sheet 22. The box folds formed on the main portion 48 may be expandable or undeployable. In the illustrated form, the box folds formed on the main portion 48 are undeployable. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, in the main portion 48, the box folds formed by the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 are adhered to each other. That is, in the box folds of the main portion 48, the portion where the outer sheets 21 overlap each other and the portion where the inner sheets 22 overlap each other are bonded and fixed by an adhesive means such as an adhesive or a heat seal. If the box folds of the part other than the box fold structure BP provided in the end region can be expanded, the part tends to spread in the width direction D2 with the movement of the body after mounting, which causes the twist. Or the adhesion may be impaired. Therefore, it is preferable that the box folds in the main portion 48 cannot be expanded as shown in the illustrated form.

Next, the change in shape when the box fold structure BP is unfolded will be described. The box fold structure BP can be deployed, for example, by pulling both side portions 42, 42 in the direction indicated by the arrow P in FIG. The pulling direction at this time may be such that the force in the pulling direction of the side portion includes a component toward the outside along the width direction D2. That is, both side portions 42 and 42 may be pulled diagonally backward as shown in the figure, or may be pulled outward (in opposite directions to each other) along the width direction D2, respectively. In the present specification, if the pulling force includes a component toward the outside along the width direction D2, the pulling force may be generally pulled to the outside of the width direction D2 or to the outside of the width direction D2.

When the absorbent article 100 is attached, the wearer or the wearing assistant usually performs an operation of smoothing out wrinkles in the end region in order to reduce discomfort and leakage in the end region. Specifically, the operation of holding the outer edge of the end region in the width direction with both hands and pulling each of them outward in the width direction is performed. As described above, the box fold structure BP is configured to be expandable by pulling it outward in the width direction D2, so that the wearer or the wearing caregiver can use the box fold structure BP by a natural operation during normal wearing. Can be deployed. However, the box fold structure BP may be configured to be expanded by pulling it outward from D1 in the front-rear direction.

FIG. 5 shows a partial plan view of the absorbent article 100 after the box fold structure BP is developed, as viewed from the outer surface (outer sheet 21 side). Further, FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, in the unfolded state, the side portions 42, 42 generally move outward in the width direction D2, and more specifically, diagonally backward. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the central portion 41 is at least partially depressed between the side portions 42 and 42 and is arranged between the side portions 42 and 42. By deploying the box fold structure BP in this way, the overlap (FIGS. 1 to 3) between the central portion 41 and the side portions 42 before deployment is at least partially eliminated.

In this embodiment, the central absorber 31 is arranged in the central portion 41, and the side absorber 32 is arranged in the side portion 42. By deploying the box fold structure BP, the central absorber 31 drops between the side absorbers 32 and 32 and is arranged between the side absorbers 32 and 32. Then, the overlap (FIGS. 1 to 3) between the central absorber 31 and the side absorber 42 before deployment is eliminated.

In this way, by deploying the box fold structure BP at the time of mounting, it is possible to eliminate the swelling toward the outer surface side of the central portion 41 provided with the discriminator 80, which was present before the deployment. This makes it possible to make the thickness of the region extending over the central portion 41 and the side portions 42, 42 substantially uniform, as shown in FIG. Here, the thickness of the central portion 41 refers to the thickness including the discriminator 80. With the above configuration, when the side where the box fold structure BP is provided is pressed during wearing, for example, when wearing clothes having strong elasticity, or when the body is placed on the portion where the box fold structure BP is provided. Even when lying down so that the identification body 80 is placed on the body, a feeling of strangeness due to the identification body 80 hitting the body is unlikely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a configuration that does not cause discomfort during wearing while maintaining the effect of the discriminator 80 that the front and back of the absorbent article 100 can be discriminated even in a dark room or the like where light is scarce.

As described above, in the state where the box fold structure BP is deployed, the thickness of the region from the central portion 41 to the side portions 42, 42 can be made substantially uniform. That is, the thickness of the central portion 41 can be made substantially equal to the thickness of the side portions 42 by unfolding the box fold structure BP or by pressing the box fold structure BP with a normal force in the mounting work after unfolding. can. In the present specification, "almost equal to the thickness of the side portion" means that the thickness of the central portion 41 is 0.8 to 1.2 times, preferably 0.9 to 1.1 times the thickness of the side portion 42. , More preferably 0.95 to 1.05 times. The thickness of the central portion 41 after the development of the box fold structure BP may be smaller than the thickness of the side portion 42.

The thickness of the central absorber 31 arranged in the central portion 41 and the thickness of the side absorber 32 in the box fold structure BP may or may not be uniform. Here, the thickness of the side absorber 32 is preferably uniform from the viewpoint of reducing discomfort in the end region. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, it is preferable that the thickness of the central absorber 31 is not uniform. More specifically, in the central absorber 31, the thickness of the portion where the discriminator 80 is arranged is preferably smaller than the thickness of the other portions. Thereby, by unfolding the box fold structure BP, or by unfolding the box fold structure BP and lightly pressing the unfolded box fold structure BP from the outer surface, the discriminator 80 can be subjected to the thickness of the central absorber 31. Can be easily depressed in the thinned part. As a result, even if a force is applied to the portion where the discriminator 80 is provided during wearing, the discomfort that may occur due to the discriminator 80 can be reduced.

The thickness of the side absorber 32 (mean value when the thickness is not uniform) is preferably about 3 to 30 mm, preferably about 7 to 15 mm. The thickness of the central absorber 31 can be 3 to 30 mm, preferably about 5 to 10 mm at the position where the thickness is maximum, and 1 to 10 mm, preferably 2 to 2 at the position where the thickness is minimum. It can be about 5 mm. The thickness of the side absorber 32 (mean value when the thickness is not uniform) is preferably about 5 to 30 mm, preferably about 7 to 15 mm.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, in the central absorber 31, the thickness of the portion where the discriminator 80 is provided by forming a recess recessed from the outer surface side to the skin facing surface side in the center. However, the central absorber 31 may be formed with a recess recessed from the skin facing surface side to the outer surface side.

7A and 7B show a modified example of the central absorber 31. FIG. 7A is a diagram partially showing the box fold structure BP of the absorbent article 100, and the side portion 41 is omitted for ease of explanation. FIG. 7B is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 7A. In the examples shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the central absorber 31 has a single layer and the thickness of the portion where the discriminator 80 is provided is thin, but the examples shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B are shown. The central absorber 31 is composed of two layers, a first layer 31A and a second layer 31B arranged on the skin facing surface side (inner sheet 21 side) of the first layer 31A.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the first layer 31A is arranged with a uniform thickness throughout the central absorber 31. On the other hand, in the second layer 31B, there is no absorber at least in the portion where the discriminator 80 is provided. In the illustrated form, the second layer 31B has a shape with a hole in the center. Therefore, also in the example shown in FIG. 7, similarly to the central absorber 31 shown in FIG. 6, the box fold structure BP is expanded or the box fold structure BP is expanded and then expanded. The discriminator 80 can be easily depressed by lightly pressing the discriminator 80 from the outer surface. This makes it possible to reduce the discomfort caused by the discriminator 80 during wearing. In addition, the stacking of the first layer 31A and the second layer 31B is reversed, a layer without an absorber is arranged on the outer surface side in the portion where the discriminator 80 is provided, and the absorber is arranged on the skin facing surface side. Layers with absorbers can also be placed throughout 31.

The discriminator 80 can be made of rubber, resin, or the like. In that case, the discriminator 80 may be solid, may have a cavity inside, or may be cylindrical. Further, the discriminator 80 may be configured such that an aggregate of fibers, particles, etc. is wrapped in an impermeable sheet or the like, or a plurality of sheets of non-woven fabric, paper, or the like are laminated in a sheet shape to some extent. It can also be configured to have a thickness. The same material as the absorber 30 can also be used as the discriminator 80. From the viewpoint of facilitating tactile identification, the discriminator 80 is preferably made of a material harder than the absorber 30, the outer sheet 21, and the like. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of reducing discomfort during wearing, it is preferable to use a material having the same hardness as the absorber as the discriminator 80.

Further, the discriminator 80 may be arranged not on the outer sheet 21 but on the skin-facing surface side of the outer sheet 21, and may be arranged so as to be in contact with the central absorber 31, for example. In that case, the discriminator 80 may be provided on either the outer surface side or the skin facing surface side of the central absorber 31, or may be embedded inside the central absorber 31. Further, when the central absorber 31 is wrapped by the packaging sheet, it may be arranged so as to be in contact with the packaging sheet. When the discriminator 80 is arranged so as to be in contact with the central absorber 31, the discriminator 80 may be formed of the same material as the central absorber 31 and integrated with the central absorber 31. In that case, it can be said that the central absorber 31 is the discriminator 80. As described above, the form in which the central absorber 31 itself becomes the discriminator 80 is easier to manufacture because it is not necessary to prepare another material for the discriminator 80.

FIG. 8 shows a modified example of the discriminator 80. The discriminator 80 shown in FIG. 8 is composed of an aggregate of a plurality of circular protrusions in a plan view. The form shown in the figure is Braille. This makes it possible for a wearer or a caregiver with weak eyesight to tactilely read and identify the direction in which the absorbent article 100 is worn.

The discriminator 80 shown in FIG. 1 and the like has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and a rectangular shape in a plan view, but the shape of the discriminator 80 is not limited to the one shown in the figure. For example, the plan view shape of the discriminator 80 may be a polygon such as a square, a pentagon, or a hexagon, a circle, an ellipse, or the like. Further, the cross-sectional shape of the discriminator 80 cut in the thickness direction of the absorbent article 100 may be a quadrangle such as a trapezoid or a parallelogram, a partial circle, a partial ellipse, or the like.

In this embodiment, the discriminator 80 protrudes from the outer surface (outer sheet 21 side) of the absorbent article 100. When the absorbent article is worn by a caregiver who assists in wearing it, the caregiver often wears gloves and touches the absorbent article through the glove, in which case the absorbent article is touched with bare hands. Compared to, the tactile sensation tends to be dull. By providing the discriminator 80 protruding from the outer surface, even if the wearing caregiver wears gloves and the tactile sensation is dull, the orientation of the absorbent article can be easily recognized.

The area of the discriminator 80 in a plan view can be about 49 to 1400 mm ² . The thickness of the discriminator 80 (the length in the thickness direction of the absorbent article 100) can be about 3 to 12 mm, preferably about 5 to 8 mm. Further, since the thickness of the outer sheet 21, the inner sheet 22, and the like is thin, the thickness of the central portion 41 described above is substantially equal to the total of the thickness of the central portion absorber 31 and the thickness of the discriminator 80, and is 5 to 22 mm. It can be preferably about 7 to 15 mm. The thickness of the side portion 41 is substantially equal to the thickness of the above-mentioned side absorber 31.

As shown in FIG. 5 and the like, the box fold structure BP is developed in a fan shape, that is, so as to open wider as it approaches the end of the absorbent article 100. Such a fan-shaped opening configuration is preferable because the box folds in the main portion 48 adjacent to the box fold structure BP are fixed and cannot be deployed as described above. However, it is also possible to configure the box fold structure BP so that the front and rear openings are about the same. In that case, the absorber 30 may be separately configured by the box fold structure BP and the main portion 48 adjacent to the box fold structure BP, and the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 may be separately configured and joined as necessary. good.

When the box fold structure BP opens in a fan shape as described above, the central absorber 31 has a shape in which the width becomes wider as it approaches the end of the absorbent article 100, for example, a triangle having a bottom on the end side, an end. It is preferably a trapezoid having a long side on the portion side. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, it is preferable that the central absorber 31 has an isosceles triangle in a plan view.

The plan view shape of the side absorber 31 is not particularly limited as long as the central absorber 31 has a shape that falls between the side portions 32 and 32 when the box fold structure BP is deployed. However, as shown in the figure, the shape corresponding to the central absorber 31 having a shape in which the distance between the side absorbers 32 and 32 is increased as the distance between the side absorbers 32 and 32 is closer to the end portion and the width is wider as the distance between the side absorbers 32 and 32 is closer to the end portion. Is preferable.

In the illustrated embodiment, the box fold structure BP is provided in the front end region F, but it may be provided in the rear end region R instead of the front end region F. Further, it may be provided in both the front end region F and the rear end region R. When the box fold structure BP is provided in both end regions F and R, it is preferable to make the structure of the box fold structure BP different so that the difference can be discriminated by tactile sensation. However, it is preferable that the box fold structure BP is provided only in the front end region F as shown in the figure. This is because the wearer of the absorbent article 100 is often lying on his back at bedtime. That is, since the box fold structure BP is provided in the front end region F which is ventral when worn, it is possible to avoid the body resting on the box fold structure BP including the identification body 80 on the dorsal side. Since it can be done, the feeling of strangeness can be reduced.

FIG. 9 shows a partial plan view of the absorbent article 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the outer surface (outer sheet 221 side). Similar to the absorbent article 100 shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the absorbent article 200 is provided with a expandable box fold structure BP in the front end region F. The box fold structure BP has a central portion 241 and side portions 242 and 242 connected to each side of the central portion 241 via connecting portions 245 and 245. Both side portions 241 and 241 are overlapped on the skin facing surface side of the central portion 241. Further, a discriminator 280 that can be identified by tactile sensation is provided in the central portion 241. The central portion 241 has a central portion absorber 231 and the side portions 242 and 242 have side absorbers 241 and 241, respectively. Further, the absorbent article 200 has a main portion 248 from the central region M adjacent to the box fold structure BP, and the main portion 248 has a main portion absorber 231. However, the absorbent article 200 shown in FIG. 9 is different from the absorbent article 100 (FIG. 1 and the like) in that the side absorber 232 and the main absorber 238 are separate bodies. Other than that, the configuration of the absorbent article 200 can be similar to that described for the absorbent article 100.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the state before the deployment of the box fold structure BP, the side absorber 232 and the main absorber 238 adjacent to the side absorber 232 in the front-rear direction D1 are arranged apart from each other. ing. Here, the side absorber 232 and the main absorber 238 are arranged so that the rear edge of the side absorber 232 and the front edge of the main absorber 238 form a predetermined angle β. Is preferable.

Also in the absorbent article 200 of FIG. 9, in order to expand the box fold structure BP, the side portions 242 and 242 may be pulled outward in the width direction D2. For example, it can be pulled in the direction indicated by the arrow P in FIG. 9 (obliquely backward). In the absorbent article 200 shown in FIG. 9, since the side absorber 232 and the main absorber 238 are separate bodies as described above, the side portion 242 is easy to move. When the side absorber and the main absorber are connected, the deployment of the box fold structure BP may cause distortion from the side to the main part (from the side absorber to the main absorber). However, according to this embodiment, such distortion can be prevented. Therefore, the adhesiveness of the absorbent article 200 is enhanced, and the effect of improving the wearing feeling and preventing leakage can be obtained.

FIG. 10 shows a partial plan view of the absorbent article 200 after the box fold structure BP is developed, as viewed from the outer surface. As shown in FIG. 10, after the box fold structure BP is deployed, the central portion 241 is at least partially depressed between the side portions 242 and 242 and is arranged between the side portions 242 and 242. More specifically, the central absorber 231 falls between the side absorbers 232 and 232, and the overlap between the central absorber 231 and the side absorbers 232 and 232 before the deployment of the box fold structure BP disappears. ing. This makes it possible to make the region extending from the central portion 241 to the side portion 242 substantially flat.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, when the box fold structure BP in the absorbent article 200 is developed, the side portions 242 and 242 are arranged along the plane direction of the absorbent article 200 (parallel to the plane direction). It can be rotated backwards (while maintaining the state of being). That is, it can be rotated in the direction of the arrow Q about the point S. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the side portion 241 can abut on the main portion 248, and more specifically, the side absorber 232 can abut on the main portion absorber 238. Here, it is preferable that the opposite edges of the side absorber 232 and the main absorber 238 have contours corresponding to each other. As a result, after the box fold structure BP is deployed, the side absorber 232 and the main absorber 238 can engage with each other and come into contact with each other with almost no gap, so that the boundary between the side portion 242 and the main portion 248 can be brought into contact with each other. It is possible to prevent leakage of body fluid in the vicinity.

In the form of FIG. 9, the end edges of the side absorber 232 and the main absorber 238 facing each other are both linear, but can also be curved. For example, the edge of the side absorber 232 facing towards the main absorber 238 can have a contour that is convex or concave towards the side where the main absorber 238 is located. In that case, the edge of the main absorber 238 facing the side absorber 232 has a concave or convex contour toward the side where the side absorber 232 is arranged (side absorber 232). It can have a contour (contour corresponding to the contour shape of the edge).

As shown in FIG. 10, after the development of the box fold structure BP of the absorbent article 200, the main absorber 231 and the side absorbers 231 and 231 and the main absorbers 238 and 238 are substantially rectangular as a whole. It has a shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the positions of the front edge of the central absorber 231 and the front edge of the side absorber 232 in the anteroposterior direction D1 are substantially equal to each other, and are aligned substantially along the width direction D2. Have been placed. Further, the positions of the lateral edge of the side absorber 232 and the lateral edge of the main absorber 238 in the width direction D2 are also substantially equal to each other, and are arranged in a straight line substantially along the front-rear direction D1. Has been done.

In this way, after the box fold structure BP is deployed, the edges of each absorber (central absorber 231, side absorber 232, and main absorber 238) are aligned in the front-rear direction D1 and the width direction D2. By (aligning), it is possible to prevent an extra absorber from being arranged at the end portion in the front-rear direction D1 and the end portion in the width direction D2. Further, since the contours of the end portion in the front-rear direction D1 and the end portion in the width direction D2 can be formed into a shape without unevenness during wearing, it is possible to eliminate the discomfort that may occur when the portion including the unevenness is pressed against the skin. Can be done.

Prior to the deployment of the box fold structure BP, the angle α (FIG. 9) formed between the rear edge of the side absorber 232 and the front edge of the main absorber 238 is the central absorber 231 and the side portion. At the portion where the absorber 232 overlaps, the angle β formed by the outer edge of the central absorber 231 in the width direction D2 and the inner edge of the side absorber 232 in the width direction D2 is approximately the same or is the same. It is preferably larger than the angle β. When the angle α is substantially the same as the angle β, after the expansion of the box fold structure BP, between the central absorber 231 and the side absorber 232, and between the side absorber 232 and the main absorber 238. It is preferable because the gap between them can be reduced. "The angle α and the angle β are substantially the same" means that the angle α is 0.9 to 1.1 times, preferably 0.95 to 1.05 times the angle β. The angle α and the angle β are preferably about 15 to 45 °.

In order to explain in more detail the development of the box fold structure BP of the absorbent article 200 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the absorber 230 of the absorbent article 200 (central absorber 231 and side portion) is shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. The absorber 232 and the main absorber 238) are shown. FIG. 11A shows the state before the expansion of the box fold structure BP, and FIG. 11B shows the state after the expansion of the box fold structure BP. When the box fold structure BP is developed, the side absorber 232 is provided around the point S along the direction indicated by the arrow Q in FIG. 11B, that is, along the surface of the absorbent article 200 or the surface of the absorber 230. Can be rotated. After the box fold structure BP is deployed, as shown in FIG. 11B, the central absorber 231 is arranged between the side absorbers 232 and 232, and the side absorbers 232 and 232 are the main absorbers 238, respectively. It is in contact with 238.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above by taking a pad-type disposable diaper as an example, but the present embodiment can also be suitably used for disposable diapers such as tape type and pants type, and sanitary napkins.

21,221 Outer sheet 22 Inner sheet 30, 230 Absorber 31, 231 Central absorber 31A First layer of central absorber 31B Second layer of central absorber 32, 232 Side absorber 38, 238 Main part Absorber 41, 241 Central part 42, 242 Side part 48, 248 Main part 80, 280 Discriminator 100, 200 Absorbent article BP Box fold structure C Crotch correspondence area D1 Front-back direction (first direction)
D2 width direction (second direction)
F Front end region M Central region P Pulling direction Q Rotation direction of side absorber R Rear end region S Center of rotation of side absorber

Claims (4)

A substantially flat absorbent article with an absorber,
It has a fan-shaped expandable box fold structure in at least one of the anterior and posterior end regions.
The box fold structure includes a central portion and side portions connected to each side of the central portion via a connecting portion and arranged on the skin facing surface side of the central portion.
A discriminator that can be identified by tactile sensation is provided in the central portion.
The absorber has a central absorber provided in the central portion and a side absorber provided in each side portion as separate bodies.
By unfolding the box fold structure, the entire central absorber falls between the side absorbers, and the overlap between the central absorber and the side absorbers is eliminated .
The discriminator protrudes from the outer surface opposite to the skin facing surface in a state before the box fold structure is deployed.
An absorbent article in which the thickness of the portion of the central absorber in which the discriminator is arranged is smaller than the thickness of the other portion . The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the box fold structure can be developed by pulling both sides thereof outward in the width direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the unfolded state of the box fold structure, the thickness of the central portion is substantially equal to or smaller than the thickness of the side portion. It has a main part adjacent to the box fold structure and has a main part.
The absorber has a main absorber provided in the main portion, and the main absorber is a separate body from the central absorber and the side absorber.
The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the box fold structure can be developed so that the side portion and the main portion are in contact with each other.

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