JP7213789B2 - ABSORBENT FOR ABSORBENT ARTICLE, AND ABSORBENT ARTICLE - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to absorbent bodies for absorbent articles and absorbent articles.

Absorbent bodies for absorbent articles are known comprising a first absorbent layer comprising a superabsorbent polymer, a second absorbent layer comprising a superabsorbent polymer and a fabric layer disposed therebetween. there is
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a water absorbent sheet having a structure in which an absorbent layer containing a water absorbent resin and an adhesive is sandwiched between hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics, and satisfies the following requirements (1) to (2): , a structure in which the absorbent layer is divided into a primary absorbent layer and a secondary absorbent layer by a substrate layer formed by laminating two or more layers of breathable substrates bonded with an adhesive; Water-absorbent sheet: (1) the basis weight of the base material layer is 25 g/m ² or more, and (2) the adhesive between the air-permeable base materials is 0.1 to 50 g/m ² . It says it is glued on.

WO2010/143635

In the water-absorbent sheet (absorbent body) described in Patent Document 1, the base layer is (i) a water-absorbent resin (high water-absorbent polymer), which is inferior in liquid absorption speed, and the water-absorbent sheet (absorbent body) is A function to temporarily store the liquid that has arrived (temporary storage function), (ii) due to the ease of blocking by the water-absorbent resin (superabsorbent polymer), the water-absorbent sheet (absorbent), and thus the absorbent article containing it It has a function of suppressing a decrease in absorbency.

On the other hand, in order to improve the temporary storage function of the water absorbent sheet (absorbent), it is preferable that the thickness (basis weight) of the base material layer is large. The absorbent article tends to be hard, it is difficult to deform the absorbent article along the wearer's body shape, the fit tends to be poor, and the wearability tends to be poor.
Further, when the thickness (basis weight) of the base material layer is increased, the base material layer temporarily stores the liquid, while making it difficult for the temporarily stored liquid to migrate to the primary absorbent layer and the secondary absorbent layer. tended to be inferior in absorbency.
Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an absorbent body that is excellent in fit, wearability, and absorbency.

The present disclosure discloses an absorbent body for an absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction and a thickness direction, and having a longitudinal centerline and a crotch region, wherein the absorbent body extends in the thickness direction , an absorbent core containing a superabsorbent polymer, and an intermediate layer, wherein the absorbent body overlaps the absorbent core in the thickness direction in the crotch region and the width direction; It is divided into the absorbent core and a pair of absorbent core non-overlapping regions that do not overlap in the thickness direction and are arranged at both ends of the absorbent core overlapping region, and the intermediate layer is provided in the crotch region in the absorbent an intermediate layer overlapping portion and a pair of intermediate layer non-overlapping portions disposed in the core overlapping region and the pair of absorbent core non-overlapping regions, respectively; The average basis weight of each of the portions is smaller than the average basis weight of the intermediate layer overlapping portion, or the thickness of each of the pair of intermediate layer non-overlapping portions is smaller than the thickness of the intermediate layer overlapping portion. We found an absorber characterized by

The absorbent body of the present disclosure is excellent in fit, wearability and absorbency.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pants-type diaper 1 according to a first embodiment in an unfolded state. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the underpants-type diaper 1 in an unfolded state. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the pants-type diaper 1 taken along line III-III in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the absorber 14 taken along line III-III in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the absorber 14. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the absorber 14. FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the pants-type diaper according to the second embodiment.

Specifically, the present disclosure relates to the following aspects.
[Aspect 1]
An absorbent body for an absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction and a thickness direction, and having a longitudinal centerline and a crotch region,
The absorbent body includes an absorbent core containing a superabsorbent polymer and an intermediate layer in the thickness direction,
The absorbent body includes an absorbent core overlapping region overlapping the absorbent core in the thickness direction in the crotch region and the width direction, and an absorbent core overlapping region not overlapping the absorbent core in the thickness direction. Divided into a pair of non-overlapping absorbent core regions located at both ends,
wherein the intermediate layer comprises an intermediate layer overlapping portion and a pair of intermediate layer non-overlapping portions respectively disposed in the absorbent core overlapping region and the pair of absorbent core non-overlapping regions in the crotch region;
In the crotch region, the average basis weight of each of the pair of intermediate layer non-overlapping portions is smaller than the average basis weight of the intermediate layer overlapping portion, or the thickness of each of the pair of intermediate layer non-overlapping portions is , less than the thickness of the intermediate layer overlap,
The absorber, characterized by:

It is also conceivable that the edges of the absorbent core in the width direction of the absorbent body (that is, the boundary between the absorbent core overlapping region and the absorbent core non-overlapping region) tend to be deformation induction starting points in the first place. However, absorbents with a high percentage of superabsorbent polymer tend to have lower absorbent basis weights and lower stiffness than those containing conventional pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymers, and the absorbent core The edge in the width direction of the (that is, the boundary between the absorbent core overlapping region and the absorbent core non-overlapping region) tends to be a starting point for deformation induction.

In the above absorbent article, when the average basis weight of each of the pair of intermediate layer non-overlapping portions in the crotch region is smaller than the average basis weight of the intermediate layer overlapping portion, the stiffness in the absorbent core overlapping region of the absorbent body , the difference between the stiffness in each of the pair of absorbent core non-overlapping regions of the absorbent body increases, and the edge of the absorbent core in the width direction of the absorbent body (that is, between the absorbent core overlapping region and the absorbent core non-overlapping region boundary) tends to be the starting point for deformation induction.
Therefore, when the wearer wears the absorbent article including the absorbent body, the boundary between the absorbent core overlapping region of the absorbent body and the absorbent core non-overlapping region of the absorbent body functions as a deformation guide portion, Since an absorbent article having an absorbent body can fit the wearer's body, the absorbent body has excellent fitting properties.

In addition, after the absorbent article is worn and before the absorbent body absorbs liquid, the intermediate layer overlapping portion having a relatively high average basis weight makes it difficult for the wearer to remember the hardness of the superabsorbent polymer. In addition, the intermediate layer non-overlapping portion having a relatively low average basis weight can make the wearer's legs feel soft, and the absorbent body is excellent in wearing comfort.
Furthermore, after the absorber absorbs liquid, the intermediate layer overlapping portion having a relatively high average basis weight temporarily retains more liquid, and the temporarily retained liquid is transferred to the adjacent absorbent core with high water absorbency. Since it can be transferred to the polymer, the absorber has excellent absorbency.

In the absorbent article, when the thickness of each of the pair of intermediate layer non-overlapping portions in the crotch region is smaller than the thickness of the intermediate layer overlapping portion, the thickness in the absorbent core overlapping region of the absorbent body and the thickness of the absorbent body , the difference between the thickness in each of the pair of non-overlapping regions of the absorbent core becomes large, and as in the case of the average basis weight, the edge of the absorbent core in the width direction of the absorbent body (i.e., the absorbent core overlapping region, The boundary with the absorbent core non-overlapping region) tends to be the starting point for deformation induction.

In addition, after the absorbent article is worn and before the absorbent body absorbs liquid, the relatively thick intermediate layer overlapping portion makes it difficult for the wearer to remember the hardness of the superabsorbent polymer. In addition, the intermediate layer non-overlapping portion having a relatively small thickness can make the legs of the wearer feel softness, and the absorbent body is excellent in wearing comfort.
Furthermore, after the absorbent body has absorbed the liquid, the relatively thick intermediate layer overlapping portion temporarily stores more liquid, and the temporarily stored liquid is absorbed by the superabsorbent polymer of the adjacent absorbent core. Since it can be handed over to the body, the absorber has excellent absorbency.

[Aspect 2]
The absorbent body according to aspect 1, wherein in the crotch region, the average basis weight of the intermediate layer non-overlapping portion is smaller than the average basis weight of the intermediate layer overlapping portion.

The above-described absorbent body, in aspect 1, exhibits the same effect as "when the average basis weight of each of the pair of intermediate layer non-overlapping portions of the intermediate layer in the crotch region is smaller than the average basis weight of the intermediate layer overlapping portion". have.

[Aspect 3]
3. The absorbent article according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the intermediate layer overlapping portion comprises a folded integral intermediate sheet and includes a plurality of sheet portions.

In the absorbent body, since the intermediate layer overlapping portion is composed of a single folded intermediate sheet, the absorbent body is excellent in wearing comfort.

[Aspect 4]
4. The absorbent article of aspect 3, wherein the plurality of sheet portions are not joined together.

In the above absorbent body, since the plurality of sheet portions are not bonded to each other, the super absorbent polymer in the absorbent body absorbs the liquid, especially the liquid is absorbed multiple times, and the absorbent core expands in the thickness direction. When attempted, the restoring force of the folded intermediate sheet can cause the sheet portions to separate and form a void therebetween. Then, when the absorbent body repeatedly absorbs liquid, the absorbent core can expand toward the voids, so expansion of the absorbent core is less likely to be hindered. Therefore, the absorber is excellent in absorbability, particularly in repeated absorbability.

[Aspect 5]
the intermediate layer comprising a first sheet portion, a pair of second sheet portions, and a pair of third sheet portions;
a first sheet portion straddling the longitudinal centerline and disposed in the absorbent core overlapping region;
The pair of second sheet portions are arranged so as to approach the longitudinal center line from both width direction ends of the first sheet portion and not touch the longitudinal center line,
The pair of third sheet portions are arranged from both ends of the pair of second sheet portions from the longitudinal center line away from the longitudinal center line to the absorbent core non-overlapping region.
5. The absorbent body according to aspect 3 or 4.

In the absorbent body, since the intermediate layer has a predetermined structure (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "Ω structure"), the absorbent body is excellent in wearability.

[Aspect 6]
The absorbent body according to aspect 5, wherein the pair of third sheet portions are arranged closer to the absorbent core than the first sheet portions.

In the absorbent body, the intermediate layer has an Ω structure, and the pair of third sheet portions are arranged closer to the absorbent core than the first sheet portions. Therefore, when the portion of the absorbent core including the center line in the longitudinal direction (hereinafter referred to as the "central portion in the width direction") absorbs liquid and the central portion in the width direction of the absorbent core rises in the thickness direction, The first sheet portion may be raised to separate the first sheet portion and the second and third sheet portions to form a void therebetween. Next, when the absorbent body repeatedly absorbs liquid and the liquid reaches a portion adjacent to the widthwise central portion of the absorbent core (hereinafter referred to as "widthwise adjacent portion"), the widthwise adjacent portion of the absorbent core However, since the absorbent article can expand toward the voids, the liquid absorbency of the absorbent article is less likely to be hindered. As mentioned above, the said absorber is excellent in repeated absorption.

[Aspect 7]
The intermediate layer is arranged on the skin side, the absorbent core is arranged on the clothing side, and the absorbent body further comprises an additional absorbent core containing a superabsorbent polymer on the skin side of the intermediate layer. The absorbent body according to any one of aspects 1-6.

The absorber has the same effect as the first aspect. Further, when aspect 7 is subordinate to aspect 4, the absorbent body has two absorbent cores (absorbent core and additional absorbent core) with an intermediate layer interposed therebetween. Since it can expand toward the gap formed between two absorbent cores (absorbent core and additional absorbent core), the absorbent body is less likely to be inhibited from absorbing liquid and has excellent liquid absorbency. As mentioned above, the said absorber is excellent in repeated absorption.

[Aspect 8]
8. The absorbent article of aspect 7, wherein in the crotch region, the additional absorbent core comprises a channel at a position overlapping the longitudinal centerline in the thickness direction.

In the above absorbent body, the additional absorbent core has channels at positions overlapping the longitudinal centerline and the thickness direction of the absorbent body, so that the absorbent body and thus the absorbent article are deformed and guided along the channels. be able to. Therefore, the absorbent body has excellent fitting properties.

[Aspect 9]
Aspects 1 to 8, wherein the absorbent body includes a low basis weight area having a lower basis weight than the surrounding area at a position overlapping the longitudinal center line in the thickness direction in the crotch area. Absorbent article according to any one of the paragraphs.

Since the absorbent body has a predetermined low basis weight region in the crotch region, the absorbent body has low rigidity at the longitudinal center line, and the longitudinal center line tends to be the starting point of deformation induction. Therefore, when the wearer wears the absorbent article including the absorber, the longitudinal center line of the absorber is deformed and guided away from the wearer or closer to the wearer. be able to. Therefore, the absorbent body has excellent fitting properties.

[Aspect 10]
10. The absorbent article according to aspect 9, wherein the absorbent article comprises an indicator at a position overlapping the low basis weight region in the thickness direction.

Since the absorber has the indicator at a position overlapping the low basis weight region and the absorber in the thickness direction, the liquid that has reached the absorber can quickly reach the indicator. However, it is difficult to miss the timing of replacing the absorbent article.

[Aspect 11]
An absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable sheet, a liquid-impermeable sheet, and an absorbent body disposed therebetween,
The absorber is the absorber according to any one of aspects 1 to 10,
The absorbent article described above.
The absorbent article has the same effect as the first aspect.

[Aspect 12]
The absorbent body includes a low basis weight area having a lower basis weight than the surrounding area at a position overlapping the longitudinal center line in the thickness direction in the crotch area,
The absorbent article includes an indicator at a position overlapping the low basis weight region in the thickness direction.
12. The absorbent article according to claim 11.

Since the absorbent article includes the indicator at a position overlapping the low basis weight region of the absorbent body in the thickness direction of the absorbent body, the liquid that has reached the absorbent body can quickly reach the indicator. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to miss the timing to replace the absorbent article.

[Aspect 13]
The absorbent article according to aspect 12, wherein the indicator is arranged between the liquid permeable sheet and the absorbent body, or between the absorbent body and the liquid impermeable sheet.

In the absorbent article, since the indicator is arranged at a predetermined position, the liquid can quickly reach the indicator, the indicator can quickly respond, and the indicator has excellent visibility.

The absorbent core for absorbent articles of the present disclosure (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "absorbent core of the present disclosure") and absorbent articles will be described in detail below. For simplification of explanation, the absorber is also explained in the embodiment of the absorbent article.

1 to 6 are diagrams for explaining an absorbent article according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as first embodiment), more specifically, a pants-type diaper 1. FIG. Specifically, FIGS. 1 and 2 are respectively a front view and a rear view of the pants-type diaper 1 in an unfolded state. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the pants-type diaper 1 taken along line III-III in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the absorber 14 taken along line III-III in FIG. 5A and 5B are views for explaining the absorber 14, FIG. 5A is a plan view, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line Vb-Vb in FIG. 5A. is. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the mechanism by which the absorber 14 absorbs liquid. Note that the drawings are schematic diagrams, and particularly in FIGS. 3 to 6, the thickness in the thickness direction T is drawn thicker than it actually is for the sake of understanding.

In the state shown in FIG. 1 , the pants-type diaper 1 has a longitudinal direction L, a width direction W and a thickness direction T which are orthogonal to each other, and a longitudinal center line CL extending in the longitudinal direction L passing through the center of the width direction W. , and a widthwise center line CW passing through the center in the longitudinal direction L and extending in the widthwise direction W. The direction and the side approaching the longitudinal center line CL are defined as the inward direction and the inner side in the width direction W, respectively, and the direction and the side away from the longitudinal direction center line CL are defined as the outward direction and the outer side in the width direction W, respectively. The direction and the side approaching the width direction center line CW are defined as the inward direction and the inner side in the longitudinal direction L, respectively, and the direction and the side away from the width direction center line CW are defined as the outward direction and the outer side in the longitudinal direction L, respectively.

In addition, the side in the longitudinal direction L facing the edge of the pants-type diaper 1 corresponding to the abdomen of the wearer (the edge of the abdomen) is also referred to as the front side in the longitudinal direction L, and the pants-type diaper corresponding to the back of the wearer. The side facing the edge of 1 (edge on the dorsal side) is also referred to as the rear side in the longitudinal direction L.
"Planar view" refers to viewing from above the thickness direction T of the pants-type diaper 1 unfolded on a plane including the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W, and the "planar shape" is grasped in plan view. shape

A “planar direction” is any direction parallel to a plane including the width direction W and the longitudinal direction L.
"Skin side" and "non-skin side" refer to the side relatively close to the wearer's skin surface and the side farther from the wearer's skin surface in the thickness direction T when the pants-type diaper 1 is worn by the wearer. do.
These definitions are commonly used not only for the pants-type diaper 1, but also for the absorber of the pants-type diaper 1 and each material disposed thereon.

It should be noted that the fact that a member, structure, shape, etc. (hereinafter referred to as a “member, etc.”) is along the longitudinal direction L means not only when the member, etc. is parallel to the longitudinal direction L, but also when the member, etc. is parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the component Dx is greater than the component Dy in the width direction W of the member (Dx>Dy). Similarly, when the member or the like is along the width direction W, not only when the member or the like is parallel to the width direction W, but also when the component Dy in the width direction W of the member or the like is greater than the component Dx in the longitudinal direction L of the member or the like. Larger cases (Dy>Dx) are also included. As for a member having a shape such as a curve, a curved surface, etc. (hereinafter referred to as a "curve, etc."), the member, etc. is evaluated as described above with respect to the tangent line of each point on the curve, etc.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pants-type diaper 1 has a plane direction P and a thickness direction T which are orthogonal to each other, the plane direction P being the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W of the pants-type diaper 1 . including.
The pants-type diaper 1 is positioned between an abdominal portion (abdominal waist belt) 2, a back portion (back waist belt) 3, and the abdominal portion 2 and the back portion 3 in the longitudinal direction L. an absorbent body 10; In the first embodiment, the pants-type diaper 1 further includes a crotch portion 4 positioned between the abdominal portion 2 and the dorsal portion 3 . The abdominal portion 2 is a portion that contacts the abdomen of the wearer. The dorsal portion 3 is a portion that contacts the wearer's buttocks or back. The absorbent main body 10 is a portion that abuts on the wearer's crotch, and one end in the longitudinal direction L is laminated on the abdominal side 2 and the other end is laminated on the dorsal side 3 . The crotch part 4 is a part that supports the absorbent main body 10 from the non-skin side.

Both ends 2a, 2a in the width direction W of the abdominal portion 2 and both ends 3a, 3a in the width direction W of the back portion 3 are joined along the longitudinal direction L, respectively, to form a pants-type diaper. 1 is formed. In the pants-type diaper 1, the outer edge 2e in the longitudinal direction L of the abdominal portion 2 and the outer edge 3e in the longitudinal direction L of the back portion 3 define a waist opening through which the waist of the wearer passes. . Further, in the pants-type diaper 1, the side portions 5e, 5e on both sides in the width direction W of the crotch portion 4 define a pair of leg openings through which the wearer's legs pass. In addition, the abdominal part (abdominal waist belt) 2 and the dorsal part (dorsal waist belt) 3 are portions defined in the longitudinal direction L where both ends 2a, 2a and both ends 3a, 3a are joined. It can be said.

In the first embodiment, in the state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the ventral part 2 and the dorsal part 3 has a rectangular shape generally extending in the width direction W and is separated from each other in the longitudinal direction L. . The crotch part 4 is located between the ventral part 2 and the dorsal part 3, and both side edges in the width direction W are recessed inward in the width direction W. The ventral part 2, the crotch part 4 and the dorsal part 3 are integrally formed with each other. In another embodiment (not shown), the ventral part 2, the crotch part 4 and the dorsal part 3 are formed separately from each other. Furthermore, in another embodiment (not shown), the pant diaper 1 comprises an abdominal portion 2 and a dorsal portion 3 and does not comprise a crotch portion 4 .

In the first embodiment, the ventral portion 2, the dorsal portion 3 and the crotch portion 4 are provided with a liquid-impermeable cover sheet (sheet member) 5. As shown in FIG. The cover sheet 5 includes a cover sheet 5a located on the skin side and a cover sheet 5b located on the non-skin side. The cover sheets 5a and 5b are laminated in the thickness direction T and joined to each other with an adhesive or the like. Both ends in the longitudinal direction L of the cover sheet 5b are folded back toward the skin so as to cover both ends in the longitudinal direction L of the cover sheet 5a. The cover sheets 5b at the folding positions of the abdominal portion 2 and the dorsal portion 3 constitute the end portion 2e of the ventral portion 2 and the end portion 3e of the dorsal portion 3, respectively.

In the first embodiment, the abdominal portion 2 and the dorsal portion 3 have a plurality of elastic members 6a and 6b and a plurality of elastic members 7a and 7b for waist gathers, respectively, between the cover sheet 5a and the cover sheet 5b. Prepare. The plurality of elastic members 6a and 6b are arranged outside and inside the abdominal portion 2 in the longitudinal direction L, respectively. The plurality of elastic members 6a are arranged along the width direction W at intervals in the longitudinal direction L in respective predetermined regions on both sides of the longitudinal center line CL. The predetermined region is a region from the end 2a to the inner portion of the opposite edges in the width direction W of the absorbent body 10 . The plurality of elastic members 6b extend from one end 2a to the other end 2a along the width direction W and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L. As shown in FIG. Similarly, the plurality of elastic members 7a and 7b are arranged outside and inside the dorsal portion 3 in the longitudinal direction L, respectively.

The plurality of elastic members 7a are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction L along the width direction W in respective predetermined regions on both sides of the longitudinal center line CL. The predetermined region is a region from the end 3a to the inner portion of the opposite edges in the width direction W of the absorbent body 10 . The plurality of elastic members 7b extend from one end 3a to the other end 3a along the width direction W and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L. As shown in FIG. A plurality of elastic members 6a, 6b, 7a, and 7b expand and contract the waist opening, and are exemplified by rubber threads. The abdominal portion (abdominal waist belt) 2 and the dorsal portion (dorsal waist belt) 3 can also be said to be portions defined by the range in the longitudinal direction L where the plurality of elastic members 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b are arranged. .

In the first embodiment, the pants-type diaper 1 includes a plurality of elastic members 8 for leg gathers from the crotch portion 4 to the back portion 3 and the abdomen portion 2 . The plurality of elastic members 8 extend along the longitudinal direction L mainly at both ends in the width direction W of the crotch portion 4 . A plurality of elastic members 8 extend and contract a pair of leg openings, respectively, and are exemplified by rubber threads.

In the first embodiment, the absorbent body 10 has a substantially rectangular shape, the liquid-permeable sheet 12 , the liquid-impermeable sheet 13 , and between the liquid-permeable sheet 12 and the liquid-impermeable sheet 13 . and an absorbent body 14 positioned to absorb and retain liquids such as urine. Examples of the liquid-permeable sheet 12 include a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a synthetic resin film having liquid-permeable holes, and a composite sheet thereof. Examples of the liquid-impermeable sheet 13 include liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabrics, synthetic resin films, composite sheets thereof, such as SMS nonwoven fabrics, and the like.

In the first embodiment, the absorbent body 14 includes an absorbent core that absorbs and retains liquid, and a core wrap that encloses the absorbent core. Details of the absorbent body 14 will be described later. The absorbent body 14, the liquid permeable sheet 12, and the liquid impermeable sheet 13 are each bonded with an adhesive, and the liquid permeable sheet 12 and the liquid impermeable sheet 13 are bonded at their peripheral portions with an adhesive. are spliced. Adhesives include materials known for pant diapers, such as hot melt adhesives. The shape of the absorbent main body 10 is not limited to the above examples as long as it is elongated in the longitudinal direction L. Examples thereof include a rectangular shape with rounded corners, a rectangular shape with short sides convex outward, and an hourglass shape. In another embodiment, the liquid-impermeable sheet 13 is omitted, and the non-skin-side surface of the absorbent body 14 and the non-skin-side surface of the peripheral portion of the liquid-permeable sheet 12 are joined to the cover sheet 5. there is

In the first embodiment, the absorbent main body 10 includes a pair of side sheets 17, 17 positioned on both sides in the width direction W and extending in the longitudinal direction L on the skin-side surface. Each side sheet 17 has a leakproof wall 16 and fixing areas 15,15. The fixing regions 15 , 15 are located at the front and rear ends of the side sheet 17 in the longitudinal direction L, and are fixed to the skin-side surface of the absorbent body 10 . The leak-proof wall 16 is positioned between and adjacent to the fixed regions 15, 15 on the front side and the rear side in the longitudinal direction L of the side sheet 17, and extends in the width direction W on the skin-side surface of the absorbent main body 10. is fixed at the outer edge thereof, and the inner edge thereof in the width direction W is not fixed. The leak-proof wall 16 and the fixing regions 15, 15 are formed, for example, by the inner portion of the side sheet 17 in the width direction W, and the outer portion of the side sheet 17 in the width direction W is fixed to the absorbent main body 10. .

The pair of leak-proof walls 16, 16 are arranged at both ends in the width direction W on the skin side of the absorbent main body 10 so as to face each other, and extend continuously along the longitudinal direction L. As shown in FIG. Each leak-proof wall 16 includes two elastic members 61 extending along the longitudinal direction L at the inner end portion in the width direction W. As shown in FIG. The elastic member 61 is exemplified by thread rubber. Each of the pair of leakproof walls 16, 16 is formed of a hydrophobic sheet, for example, a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. In another embodiment, each of the pair of leak-proof walls 16, 16 is formed of a hydrophilic sheet such as a hydrophilic non-woven fabric.

Next, the absorber 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. The absorber 14 includes a first absorbent layer 41 arranged on the skin side, a second absorbent layer 42 arranged on the non-skin side, and an intermediate layer arranged between the first absorbent layer 41 and the second absorbent layer 42 . layer 43; The absorber 14 has a substantially rectangular planar shape extending in the longitudinal direction L. As shown in FIG.

In the first embodiment, the first absorbent layer 41 is arranged on the intermediate layer 43 side of the first base material 44 formed of a liquid-permeable sheet and the first base material 44, and contains a water-absorbent polymer. and a first water absorbing material 45 having a water absorbing material. The first absorbent layer 41 can be viewed as having a first absorbent material 45 as an absorbent core portion and a first substrate 44 (and intermediate layer 43) as a core wrap. The first water absorbing material 45 is attached to the first base material 44 by an adhesive applied to at least one of the intermediate layer 43 side surface of the first base material 44 and the first base material 44 side surface of the intermediate layer 43 . and at least one of the intermediate layer 43 .

The absorbent material of the first absorbent material 45 is arranged at a substantially uniform basis weight within the first absorbent layer 41 except for the channel 48 . The first water absorbent 45 has a substantially rectangular planar shape. The first base material 44 has a substantially rectangular planar shape and covers the first water absorbent material 45 from the skin side in a plan view. extend outwards. Note that the channel 48 will be described later.

In the first embodiment, the second absorbent layer 42 includes a second base material 46 formed of a sheet having water retentivity and liquid diffusibility, and a second base material 46 disposed closer to the intermediate layer 43 than the second base material 46 to absorb water. and a second absorbent material 47 having an absorbent material comprising a polymer. The second absorbent layer 42 can be viewed as having a second absorbent material 47 as an absorbent core portion and a second substrate 46 (and intermediate layer 43) as a core wrap. The second water absorbing material 47 is attached to the second base material 46 by an adhesive applied to at least one of the intermediate layer 43 side surface of the second base material 46 and the second base material 46 side surface of the intermediate layer 43 . and at least one of the intermediate layer 43 . The absorbent material of the second absorbent material 47 is arranged in the second absorbent layer 42 with a substantially uniform basis weight.

The second water absorbing material 47 has a substantially rectangular planar shape having the same width in the width direction W as the first water absorbing material 45 . The second base material 46 has a substantially rectangular planar shape and covers the second water absorbent material 47 from the non-skin side in a plan view. Extends slightly outward. Both ends in the width direction W of the second base material 46 cover both side surfaces of the second water absorbent material 47 , and cover the skin-side surfaces at both ends in the width direction W of the first base material 44 . That is, on the skin-side surface at the end in the width direction W of the first absorbent layer 41, the end in the width direction W of the second base material 46 and the end in the width direction W of the first base material 44 overlap each other. are joined together.

Both ends of the first base material 44 in the width direction W cover the side surfaces of the first water absorbent material 45 in the width direction W, and further cover the side surfaces of the second base material 46 in the width direction W, whereby the first water absorbent material 45 is enclosed in the first absorbent layer 41 in the width direction W, and the second absorbent material 47 is enclosed in the second absorbent layer 42 in the width direction W.

In the first embodiment, the first base material 44, the intermediate layer 43 and the second base material 46 are laminated in the thickness direction T and joined at both ends in the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent body 14. As shown in FIG. As a result, the first water absorbent material 45 is enclosed in the first absorbent layer 41 by the first base material 44 and the intermediate layer 43 in the longitudinal direction L, and the second water absorbent material 47 is enclosed in the longitudinal direction L between the second base material 46 and the intermediate layer. It is encapsulated in the second absorbent layer 42 by the layer 43 .

The absorbent body 14 includes, in the width direction W, a second absorbent core overlapping region C2 _OP that overlaps the second absorbent material 47 in the thickness direction T, It is divided into a pair of second absorbent core non-overlapping regions _C2NP arranged at both ends of the absorbent core overlapping region _C2OP . The second absorbent core overlapping region C2 _OP and the pair of second absorbent core non-overlapping regions C2 _NP are arranged in the crotch region MA, the dorsal region BA and the ventral region FA. The crotch area MA, the dorsal area BA, and the ventral area FA will be described later.

In addition, in the crotch region MA and the width direction W, the absorbent body 14 has a first absorbent core overlapping region C1 _OP that overlaps the first absorbent material 45 in the thickness direction T, and a first absorbent material 45 in the thickness direction T. It is divided into a pair of first absorbent core non-overlapping regions _C1NP that do not overlap and are arranged at both ends of the first absorbent core overlapping region _C1OP .
The first absorbent material 45 and the second absorbent material 47 have the same width in the width direction W, and their edges in the width direction W are aligned with the thickness direction T. The core overlapping region C1 _OP and the pair of first absorbent core non-overlapping regions C1 _NP are, in the thickness direction T, the second absorbent core overlapping region C2 _OP and the pair of second absorbent core non-overlapping regions C2 _NP respectively. is consistent with

The intermediate layer 43 is composed of a single liquid-permeable intermediate sheet 43S (specifically, an air-through nonwoven fabric containing core-sheath type composite fibers). The intermediate layer 43 includes an intermediate layer overlapping portion 43 _OP and a pair of intermediate layer non-overlapping portions 43 _NP arranged in the second absorbent core overlapping region C2 _OP and the pair of second absorbent core non-overlapping regions C2 _NP . It has The intermediate layer 43 is arranged over the first absorbent core overlapping region C1 _OP and the pair of first absorbent core non-overlapping regions C1 _NP .

The intermediate layer 43 is composed of an integral intermediate sheet 43S folded by four folding shafts 103, 104, 105 and 106 extending in the longitudinal direction L. As shown in FIG. The four folding shafts 103, 104, 105 and 106 are arranged in order from one side to the other side of the intermediate sheet 43S. Also, the intermediate sheet 43S has a substantially uniform basis weight.

In the unfolded state, the intermediate sheet 43S is arranged inside the folding shaft 103 and the folding shaft 106 except for the first sheet portion 43a arranged inside the folding shaft 104 and the folding shaft 105 and the first sheet portion 43a. It is divided into a pair of second sheet portions 43b and a pair of third sheet portions 43c arranged outside the folding axis 103 and the folding axis 106, respectively.

The intermediate layer 43 is formed by folding the pair of second sheet portions 43b toward the inside around the folding axis 104 and the folding axis 105, and then folding the pair of third sheet portions 43c. It is formed by folding outward around the axis 103 and the folding axis 106 .

The first sheet portion 43a is adjacent to the first water absorbent material 45, straddles the longitudinal centerline CL, and is arranged in the second absorbent core overlapping region _C2OP . The pair of second sheet portions 43b are arranged so as to approach the longitudinal center line CL from both ends (not shown) in the width direction W of the first sheet portion 43a and not touch the longitudinal center line CL. . The pair of third sheet portions 43c are adjacent to the second water absorbent material 47, and move away from the longitudinal center line CL from both ends (not shown) of the pair of second sheet portions 43b relative to the longitudinal center line CL. , and up to the second absorbent core non-overlapping region C2 _NP .

The first sheet portion 43a and the pair of second sheet portions 43b are arranged in the second absorbent core overlapping region C2 _OP , and the pair of third sheet portions 43c are arranged in the second absorbent core overlapping region C2 _OP , It is arranged in a pair of second absorbent core non-overlapping regions _C2NP .
The first sheet portion 43a, the pair of second sheet portions 43b, and the pair of third sheet portions 43c are not joined together.

The absorbent body 14 has channels 48 . The channel 48 is a strip-shaped region that is arranged in the first absorbent layer 41 (specifically, the first water absorbent 45) and extends in the longitudinal direction L. As shown in FIG. The channel 48 is arranged so as to overlap in the thickness direction T with the longitudinal center line CL of the first absorbent layer 41 (specifically, the first water absorbent 45). In the channel 48, the basis weight of the second absorbent material 47 is 0 g/ ^m2 . The second absorption layer 42 does not have channels.

A portion of the absorbent body 14 overlapping the channel 48 in the thickness direction T forms a low basis weight region LB in which the basis weight of the absorbent body 14 is lower than that of a portion adjacent to the channel 48 in the width direction W. ing.
The absorbent body 14 has low basis weight areas LB in the crotch area MA, the back area BA, and the ventral area FA.

The first water absorbent material 45 and the second water absorbent material 47 contain a super absorbent polymer (SAP). The basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer of each of the first water absorbent material 45 and the second water absorbent material 47 can be appropriately adjusted according to the absorption performance required for the pants-type diaper 1, but for example, 10 to 500 g/m ² , preferably 100 to 400 g/m ² .

One of the basis weights of the first water absorbing material 45 and the second water absorbing material 47 may be larger than the other, or may be equal. However, equivalent refers to the range of ±30% of the other. The first water absorbent material 45 and the second water absorbent material 47 may further comprise hydrophilic fibers such as water absorbent fibers (eg, pulp fibers). The ratio of the superabsorbent polymer in the first water absorbent material 45 and the second water absorbent material 47 is, for example, 80 to 100% by mass, preferably 90 to 100% by mass, more preferably 95 to 100% by mass. be.
Therefore, it can be said that the first water absorbent material 45 and the second water absorbent material 47 contain the superabsorbent polymer as a main component, and the absorbent body 14 can be said to be a so-called SAP sheet.

However, as a ratio of the superabsorbent polymer in the absorbent body 14 (including not only the first water absorbent material 45 and the second water absorbent material 47 but also the adhesive, the first base material 44, the intermediate layer 43 and the second base material 46) is, for example, 40 to 80% by mass, preferably 50 to 80% by mass, more preferably 60 to 80% by mass.

In the first embodiment, each of the first water absorbent material 45 and the second water absorbent material 47 is composed only of a superabsorbent polymer and does not contain hydrophilic fibers.
It is preferable that 90 to 100% by mass of the superabsorbent polymer is composed of superabsorbent polymer particles having a particle size of 150 to 500 μm. Since the superabsorbent polymer particles having the above particle size are small and uniform, they are easily retained by the adhesive. The particle size of superabsorbent polymer particles is measured according to the sieving test method described in JIS R 6002:1998.

The adhesive is not particularly limited as long as it can fix the superabsorbent polymer, and examples thereof include hot-melt adhesives. The adhesive application pattern is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a continuous or intermittent omega pattern, spiral pattern, and line pattern. The basis weight of the adhesive can be appropriately adjusted so that the liquid absorbency of the absorbent body 14 is not significantly lowered, and is, for example, 3 to 50 g/m ² for each layer. However, each layer includes a layer of adhesive between the first absorbent 45 and the first base material 44, a layer of adhesive between the first absorbent 45 and the intermediate layer 43, a layer of adhesive between the second absorbent 47 and the second absorbent. 2 the layer of adhesive between the substrate 46 and the layer of adhesive between the second absorbent material 47 and the intermediate layer 43 .

The first base material 44 is not particularly limited as long as it is a liquid-permeable sheet. Examples of the first base material 44 include liquid-permeable nonwoven fabrics containing synthetic fibers, hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics, and laminated nonwoven fabrics thereof. Among them, highly water-permeable nonwoven fabrics are preferred. Examples of the first base material 44 include polyolefin fibers such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), polyester fibers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). , or a spunbond nonwoven fabric formed from a combination thereof, an air-through nonwoven fabric, and the like.
The synthetic fibers are preferably hydrophilized by a known method.

The liquid-permeable sheet is, for example, an air-laid nonwoven fabric obtained by coating a hydrophilic fiber such as pulp fiber or rayon fiber with a hydrophilic binder, a nonwoven fabric obtained by combining the hydrophilic fiber and the synthetic fiber, such as a spun It can be a lace nonwoven. In the first embodiment, an air-laid nonwoven fabric in which liquid-permeable and liquid-retaining pulp fibers are coated with a hydrophilic binder is used.

In addition, the 1st base material 44 may laminate|stack multiple layers of the nonwoven fabric of 1 type or multiple types in the said nonwoven fabric.
The basis weight of the first base material 44 is, for example, 10-100 g/m ² , preferably 20-80 g/m ² . The thickness of the first base material 44 is, for example, 0.1 to 5 mm, preferably 0.15 to 3 mm.

The second base material 46 is not particularly limited as long as it is a sheet having water retentivity and liquid diffusibility. The second base material 46 may be made of, for example, synthetic fibers such as polyamide fibers, regenerated fibers such as rayon fibers and acetate fibers, natural fibers such as cotton, silk, hemp, pulp (cellulose) fibers, or combinations thereof. and nonwoven fabrics. Specifically, examples of the second base material 46 include a spunbond nonwoven fabric containing nylon, a spunlaced nonwoven fabric containing rayon fibers and/or pulp fibers, and the like. A spunlace nonwoven comprising rayon fibers and/or pulp fibers may comprise polyolefin fibers and/or polyester fibers. In the first embodiment, a spunlaced nonwoven fabric containing rayon fibers and pulp fibers, which has liquid retentivity and liquid diffusion properties, is used.

The second base material 46 may be composed of one of the nonwoven fabrics described above, and may be formed by laminating a plurality of layers of the nonwoven fabrics.
The basis weight of the second base material 46 is, for example, 10-200 g/m ² , preferably 35-150 g/m ² . The thickness of the second base material 46 is, for example, 0.1 to 5 mm, preferably 0.15 to 3 mm.

As the intermediate layer 43 (intermediate sheet 43S), for example, a sheet similar to the first base material 44 can be used. The basis weight of the intermediate layer 43 is, for example, 10-100 g/m ² , preferably 15-80 g/m ² . The thickness of the intermediate layer 43 is, for example, 0.1 to 5 mm, preferably 0.15 to 3 mm.

In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the absorber 14 has a dorsal region BA, an abdominal region FA, and a crotch region MA, which are aligned along the longitudinal direction L. As shown in FIG. However, the dorsal region BA is a region that overlaps with the dorsal portion 3 in the thickness direction T of the absorbent body 14 . Abdominal area FA is an area that overlaps with abdominal part 2 in absorber 14 in thickness direction T. As shown in FIG. The crotch area MA is an area located between the dorsal area BA and the ventral area FA of the absorbent body 14, that is, the area overlapping the crotch part 4 in the thickness direction T. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the absorbent body 14 is divided along the longitudinal direction L into a dorsal region BA overlapping with the dorsal portion 3, an abdominal region FA overlapping with the abdominal portion 2, and a crotch region MA overlapping with the crotch portion 4. be.

In the first embodiment, the absorbent body 14 includes a high SAP basis weight region 14a, a low SAP basis weight region 14b, and a non-SAP arrangement region 14c. The SAP high basis weight region 14a is a region where the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer is relatively high, and is a region where the first absorbent layer 41 and the second absorbent layer 42 overlap in the thickness direction T. As shown in FIG. The SAP low basis weight region 14b is a region where the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer is relatively low, and where the first absorbent layer 41 does not exist in the thickness direction T and only the second absorbent layer 42 exists. . The SAP non-placement region 14c is a region that does not contain the superabsorbent polymer, and is a region in which the first absorbent layer 41 and the second absorbent layer 42 do not exist in the thickness direction T. As shown in FIG. However, the term "no superabsorbent polymer is included" includes the case where the superabsorbent polymer is present but its basis weight is very small. "Very little" refers to the case where the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer is 5% or less of the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer in the SAP high basis weight region 14a.

Therefore, in the absorbent body 14, the dorsal area BA includes the dorsal SAP high basis weight area BAa as the SAP high basis weight area 14a, the dorsal SAP low basis weight area BAb as the SAP low basis weight area 14b, and the SAP and a dorsal SAP non-arrangement area BAc as the non-arrangement area 14c. In the absorber 14, the ventral region FA includes a ventral SAP high basis weight region FAa as the SAP high basis weight region 14a and a ventral SAP non-placement region FAc as the SAP non-placement region 14c. , ventral SAP low basis weight area FAb. The crotch region MA has only the SAP high basis weight region 14a.
Therefore, the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer in the dorsal SAP high basis weight area BAa and the ventral SAP high basis weight area FAa is equivalent to the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer in the crotch area MA. The term “equivalent” means that one is in the range of 0.7 to 1.3 times (±30%) the other.

The second absorbent layer 42 includes a protruding portion that protrudes outward from the edge of the first absorbent layer 41 at the rear end in the longitudinal direction L in plan view. The protrusion includes a dorsal SAP low basis weight area BAb, the protrusion being identical to the dorsal SAP low basis weight area BAb. The second absorbent layer 42 is covered by the intermediate layer 43 and thus the protruding part, i.e. the dorsal SAP low basis weight area BAb, is covered by the intermediate layer 43 and the first substrate 44 on the skin side.

In the absorber 14, in the longitudinal direction L, the length of the dorsal SAP high basis weight area BAa is da2, the length of the dorsal SAP low basis weight area BAb is db2, and the length of the dorsal SAP non-placement area BAc is is dc2, db2>dc2>da2. That is, in the dorsal region BA, the length of the dorsal SAP low basis weight region BAb is relatively long, and while the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer is kept low as a whole, up to the rear side of the longitudinal direction L A highly absorbent polymer is placed. Although the amount is small, it is possible to easily suppress the leakage of the liquid flowing to the back side.

In the absorber 14, in the longitudinal direction L, da1>dc1, where da1 is the length of the ventral SAP high basis weight area FAa and dc1 is the length of the ventral SAP non-placement area FAc. That is, in the ventral region FA, the length of the ventral SAP high basis weight region FAa is relatively long, and the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer is increased as a whole, and the front end in the longitudinal direction L A highly absorbent polymer is placed. As a result, it is possible to make it easier to accurately absorb the liquid on the ventral side where the amount of excretion is large.

In the absorber 14, in the longitudinal direction L, dc2>dc1. The length of the dorsal SAP non-arrangement area BAc is relatively long, and the amount of the superabsorbent polymer used in the dorsal area BA where the amount of excretion is small is kept low, while the ventral SAP non-arrangement area FAc is lengthened. can be made relatively short to facilitate accurate absorption of liquid in the ventral area FA where a large amount of excretion is.

In another embodiment, da2+db2>da1 in the longitudinal direction L of the absorber 14. In this case, by arranging the superabsorbent polymer up to the rear portion in the longitudinal direction L in the dorsal region BA, it is possible to more easily suppress the leakage of the liquid flowing to the dorsal side, although the amount is small.

In the pants-type diaper 1 of the first embodiment, in the crotch region MA, the average basis weight and thickness of the pair of intermediate layer non-overlapping portions _43NP are respectively higher than the average basis weight and thickness of the intermediate layer overlapping portions _43OP . small. As a result, the difference between the stiffness in the second absorbent core overlapping region C2 _OP of the absorbent body 14 and the stiffness in each of the pair of second absorbent core non-overlapping regions C2 _NP of the absorbent body 14 increases, and the second water absorbent material The boundary of 47 tends to be the starting point of deformation induction.
The edge of the first water absorbent 45 in the width direction, that is, the boundary between the first absorbent core overlapping region C1 _OP and the pair of first absorbent core non-overlapping regions C1 _NP also functions as a base point for the above-described deformation guidance. are doing.

In addition, in the second absorbent core overlapping region C2 _OP , the intermediate layer overlapping portion 43 _OP having a relatively large average basis weight can make it difficult for the wearer to remember the hardness of the super absorbent polymer. In the second absorbent core non-overlapping region C2 _NP , the pair of intermediate layer non-overlapping portions 43 _NP having a relatively small average basis weight can make the wearer's legs feel soft. Furthermore, in the second absorbent core overlapping region C2 _OP , the intermediate layer overlapping portion 43 _OP having a relatively large average basis weight can temporarily store a larger amount of liquid, so that the absorbent body 14 has excellent absorbency.

The intermediate layer 43 is composed of a single folded intermediate sheet 43S, specifically, a first sheet portion 43a, a pair of second sheet portions 43b, and a pair of third sheet portions 43c. In addition, since the first sheet portion 43a, the pair of second sheet portions 43b, and the pair of third sheet portions 43c are not joined to each other, the intermediate layer overlapping portion _43OP is the restoration of the intermediate sheet 43S. The force can make it difficult for the wearer to remember the hardness of the first water absorbent material 45 and the second water absorbent material 47 .

As shown in FIG. 6 , when liquid, such as first urine, reaches the absorbent body 14 , the liquid passes through the first absorbent layer 41 (mainly channels 48 ) and the intermediate layer 43 , and then through the second absorbent layer 41 . When reaching the absorbent layer 42, the second absorbent layer 42 rises, and the restoring force of the intermediate sheet 43S (the first sheet portion 43a, the pair of second sheet portions 43b, and the pair of third sheet portions 43c) causes the second A gap 101 is formed between the first absorbent layer 41 (first water absorbent material 45) and the second absorbent layer 42 (second water absorbent material 47).

Specifically, in first absorbent layer 41 , liquid passes through channels 48 and rapidly transitions to intermediate layer 43 . The first absorbent material 45 around the channel 48 absorbs the remaining liquid and expands mainly in the thickness direction T. As shown in FIG.
The intermediate layer 43 has a function of temporarily storing liquid. In the intermediate layer 43, a first sheet portion 43a exists at a position overlapping with the channel 48 in the thickness direction T, and a pair of second sheet portions 43b and a pair of Since there is no third sheet portion 43c, the intermediate layer 43 has a relatively small amount of temporary liquid storage at the position overlapping the channel 48 in the thickness direction T, and transfers the liquid to the second absorbent layer 42. can be made

In the second absorbent layer 42, the liquid mainly reaches the position overlapping the channel 48 in the thickness direction T, and the portion of the second absorbent layer 42 overlapping the channel 48 in the thickness direction T is Rise to T. The second absorbent layer 42 (second water absorbent material 47) rises in the thickness direction T, and the restoring forces of the first sheet portion 43a, the pair of second sheet portions 43b, and the pair of third sheet portions 43c A gap 101 is formed between the first water absorbing material 45 and the second water absorbing material 47 .

Next, when additional liquid, such as second and subsequent urine, reaches the absorber 14, the intermediate layer 43 temporarily retains the liquid in the voids 101, and the first water absorbent 45 and the second Liquid is supplied to the water absorbing material 47 .
The first water absorbent material 45 and the second water absorbent material 47 supplied with the liquid can absorb the liquid and expand toward the voids 101 , and the first water absorbent material 45 and the second water absorbent material 47 , and thus the absorbent body 14 . However, it is highly absorbent of large amounts of liquids, such as multiple urines.

Next, a method for manufacturing the absorbent body 14 will be described.
First, while moving the sheet for the second base material 46 in the longitudinal direction L, a hot-melt adhesive is applied onto the sheet for the second base material 46 . Next, the superabsorbent polymer is applied from the superabsorbent polymer feeder onto both end portions and the central portion in the width direction W of the sheet for the second base material 46 coated with the hot melt adhesive along the longitudinal direction L. to disperse. At that time, a small amount of superabsorbent polymer migrates to the region (corresponding to the channel) between the end portions and the central portion. Next, a sheet for the intermediate layer 43 having both sides coated with a hot melt adhesive is laminated on the superabsorbent polymer on the sheet for the second base material 46 .

Next, while moving the laminate in the longitudinal direction L, a superabsorbent polymer is supplied from another superabsorbent polymer supply device to the central portion in the width direction W of the sheet for the intermediate layer 43 coated with the hot-melt adhesive. Sprinkle along the longitudinal direction L on top. Next, a sheet for the first base material 44 coated with a hot melt adhesive is laminated on the super absorbent polymer on the sheet for the intermediate layer 43 with the hot melt adhesive on the super absorbent polymer side. Then, both side portions in the width direction W of the sheet for the second base material 46 are folded over both side portions in the width direction W of the sheet for the first base material 44 to obtain a laminate. After that, the thickness of the laminate is adjusted by passing the laminate through a pair of press rolls, that is, by pressing, and the absorber 14 is obtained.

Next, a method of manufacturing an underpants-type diaper using the absorber 14 will be described.
The liquid-permeable sheet 12 is attached to the upper surface of the absorber 14 (the surface of the first substrate 44) produced as described above, and the liquid-impermeable sheet 12 is attached to the lower surface of the absorber 14 (the surface of the second substrate 46). A sheet 13 is attached to obtain a laminate. Next, side sheets 17 with leak-proof walls 16 are attached to both sides of the laminate in the width direction W to obtain the absorbent main body 10 . After that, the absorbent body 10 is pasted on the cover sheet 5 (including the elastic members 6, 7, 8), and both ends 2a, 2a in the width direction W of the abdominal portion 2 and the width direction W of the dorsal portion 3 are attached. Both ends 3a, 3a are joined. Thereby, the underpants-type diaper 1 is manufactured.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a pants-type diaper (not shown) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "second embodiment"), and is a diagram of the first embodiment. 3 corresponds to FIG.

In the underpants-type diaper (not shown) according to the second embodiment, in the thickness direction T, between the absorbent body 14 and the liquid-impermeable sheet 13, specifically, the second base material 46 of the absorbent body 14 and the liquid-impermeable sheet 13, an indicator 107 is arranged. The indicator 107 functions to indicate on the outer surface of the pant-type diaper 1 that the pant-type diaper 1 has absorbed liquid (eg, urine) and notify the user (eg, mother).

The indicator 107 is arranged so as to overlap in the thickness direction T with the channel 48 arranged in the first absorbent layer 41 (first water absorbent material 45), that is, in the low basis weight region LB.
In the low basis weight region LB, liquid passes through the channels 48 of the first absorbent layer 41 (first absorbent material 45) and migrates quickly to the intermediate layer 43. FIG. Further, in the low basis weight region LB, the intermediate layer 43 is composed of only the first sheet portion 43a, so liquid can be transferred to the second absorbent layer . Liquid that reaches the second absorbent layer 42 can reach the indicator 107 and cause the indicator 107 to respond quickly.

Absorbent articles comprising the absorbent body of the present disclosure are not particularly limited, and examples include disposable diapers, incontinence pads, disposable shorts, sanitary napkins, shorts-type sanitary napkins, panty liners, puerperal pads, hemorrhoid pads, diapers for pets, and the like.

The absorbent body of the present disclosure includes an intermediate layer and an absorbent core containing a superabsorbent polymer in the thickness direction of the absorbent body, and the intermediate layer is closer to the liquid-permeable sheet (skin side) than the absorbent core. It can also be placed on the liquid-impermeable sheet side (clothing side). This is from the viewpoint of the effects of the present disclosure.

Further, in the absorbent body of the present disclosure, the intermediate layer is arranged on the liquid-permeable sheet side of the absorbent core, and the absorbent body contains a super absorbent polymer on the liquid-permeable sheet side of the intermediate layer. An additional absorbent core can be further provided, ie the absorbent body can be provided with two absorbent cores (an absorbent core and an additional absorbent core) with an intermediate layer in between. In certain cases, two absorbent cores can expand towards the void formed between them.
In addition, in the embodiments (first embodiment and second embodiment) of the present specification, the absorbent core and the additional absorbent core are referred to as the second absorbent material and the first absorbent material, respectively.

In the absorbent article of the present disclosure, the absorbent core and the optional additional absorbent core each comprise a superabsorbent polymer. The superabsorbent polymer is not particularly limited, and includes those known in the art, such as starch-based, cellulose-based, and synthetic polymer-based superabsorbent polymers. Examples of starch-based or cellulose-based superabsorbent polymers include starch-acrylic acid (salt) graft copolymers, starch-acrylonitrile copolymer saponified products, sodium carboxymethylcellulose crosslinked products, and synthetic polymers. Examples of superabsorbent polymers include polyacrylates, polysulfonates, maleic anhydrides, polyacrylamides, polyvinyl alcohols, polyethylene oxides, polyaspartates, and polyglutamates. , Polyalginate-based, starch-based, cellulose-based super absorbent polymers (SAP, Super absorbent Polymer), etc., and polyacrylate-based (especially sodium polyacrylate-based) super absorbent polymers are preferred. .

In the absorbent body of the present disclosure, each of the absorbent core and the optional additional absorbent core is not particularly limited as long as it is mainly composed of a superabsorbent polymer, and further contains hydrophilic fibers such as pulp fibers. It's okay. The shape of the absorber is not particularly limited in plan view, and examples thereof include a rectangle with arcuate protruding short sides, a rounded rectangle, an ellipse, and an hourglass. The thickness of the absorber is, for example, 0.5 to 20 mm, preferably 1 to 10 mm.

The absorbent body of the present disclosure includes the absorbent core, the absorbent core overlapping region overlapping the absorbent body in the thickness direction, and the absorbent core and the absorbent body not overlapping in the thickness direction in the crotch region and the width direction of the absorbent body. It is also divided into a pair of non-overlapping absorbent core regions arranged at both ends of the overlapping region.
In the absorbent body of the present disclosure, the intermediate layer is arranged over the absorbent core overlapping region and the pair of absorbent core non-overlapping regions, and in the crotch region, the absorbent core overlapping region and the pair of absorbent core non-overlapping regions each having an intermediate layer overlapping portion and a pair of intermediate layer non-overlapping portions arranged in a pair.

In the absorbent body of the present disclosure, in the crotch region, the average basis weight of each of the pair of intermediate layer non-overlapping portions is smaller than the average basis weight of the intermediate layer overlapping portion, or the average basis weight of each of the pair of intermediate layer non-overlapping portions is Preferably, the thickness is smaller than the thickness of the intermediate layer overlapping portion, and the average basis weight of each of the pair of intermediate layer non-overlapping portions in the crotch region is smaller than the average basis weight of the intermediate layer overlapping portion. This is from the viewpoint of the effects of the present disclosure.

In this specification, the magnitude of the average basis weight can be determined visually when the intermediate layer is composed of a single folded intermediate sheet or the like. If it is difficult to visually determine, the intermediate layer is taken out from the absorbent body by cold spray or the like, separated into a non-overlapping portion of the intermediate layer and a pair of non-overlapping portions of the intermediate layer, and their areas, masses, etc. , the average basis weight can be calculated, and the size of the average basis weight can be determined.

In this specification, the magnitude of the thickness means the magnitude of the maximum thickness. The size of the thickness can be determined visually when the intermediate layer is composed of a single folded intermediate sheet or the like. If visual judgment is difficult, the size of the thickness can be determined by cutting the crotch region of the absorbent body or absorbent article in the width direction and observing the cross section with a microscope or the like.
The size of the thickness can be measured with a three-dimensional X-ray CT device (manufactured by Yamato Scientific Co., Ltd., TDM-1000-IS/SP). For example, from an image scanned using a three-dimensional measurement X-ray CT device, the thickness of the desired portion (intermediate layer overlapping portion or intermediate layer non-overlapping portion) is measured at 20 points and determined by averaging. can be done.

In the absorbent articles of the present disclosure, the intermediate layer overlapping portion can be composed of a single sheet portion or a laminate of multiple sheet portions, and the laminate of multiple sheet portions can be a plurality of separated sheets. It may be a stack of sections or a stack of consecutive multiple sheet sections (single sheet folds). In the absorbent article of the present disclosure, the intermediate layer overlapping portion is preferably a laminate of a plurality of separated sheet portions or a laminate of a plurality of continuous sheet portions (single sheet folds), and the continuous More preferably, it is a laminate of a plurality of sheet portions (folded product of a single sheet). This is from the viewpoint of formation of voids, improvement of wearing feeling, and the like.

If the intermediate layer is a laminate of successive sheet portions (single sheet folds), then the intermediate layer has an Ω structure (the first sheet portion forming the top and the third sheet portion and the intermediate layer has a structure combining Ω structures, for example, a structure in which an Ω structure is placed on top of an Ω structure (for example, the first sheet portion, which is the top, has an Ω structure is further arranged).
When the intermediate layer has an Ω structure, the first sheet portion may be in contact with the absorbent core and the third sheet portion may be in contact with the absorbent core, but the third sheet portion may be in contact with the absorbent core. It is preferably in contact with the core. This is from the viewpoint of void formation.

In a stack of sheet portions, the sheet portions may or may not be bonded to each other in the crotch region, and preferably are not bonded to each other. This is from the viewpoint of void formation.

From the viewpoint of suppressing twisting of the absorbent body after it has absorbed a large amount of liquid, the sheet portions may be partially joined to each other.
When the absorbent body has a ventral region and/or a dorsal region, the sheet portions may be partially or wholly joined to each other in the ventral region and/or the dorsal region. good.
The intermediate layer may or may not be bonded to the absorbent core and optional additional absorbent core with a hot-melt adhesive or the like, and is preferably bonded. This is from the viewpoint of accurately forming the voids.

The absorber of the present disclosure preferably includes a low basis weight region having a lower basis weight than the surroundings at a position overlapping the longitudinal centerline in the thickness direction of the absorber. As a result, the longitudinal center line of the absorbent body can be used as a base point for deformation induction.
It should be noted that the perimeter is preferably the perimeter in the width direction of the low basis weight region. This is for inducing deformation in the width direction.

Also, the low basis weight region is preferably located in the crotch region, and when the absorbent body has an abdominal region and/or a dorsal region, the absorbent body has a ventral region and/or a dorsal region. The dorsal region may comprise the low basis weight region. The low basis weight regions can be achieved by placing channels, as described below, in the absorbent core and/or additional absorbent cores as desired.

The absorbent bodies of the present disclosure can comprise channels. The channels can be arranged in the absorbent core and/or additional absorbent cores as desired. As a result, when the absorbent article is worn, it becomes easier to induce deformation of the absorbent core and thus the absorbent article. Also, the channels allow liquid to migrate rapidly through the thickness of the absorbent body.
From this point of view, the channel preferably extends in the longitudinal direction, and more preferably extends so as to overlap the longitudinal centerline in the thickness direction of the absorbent body.

Said channel is preferably arranged in the crotch region of the absorbent, and if the absorbent has a ventral region and/or a dorsal region, said channel may be located in the region.
As used herein, the channels refer to areas in the absorbent body where the absorbent core has a lower basis weight compared to the surrounding areas. Said channels preferably have a basis weight of no more than 70%, more preferably no more than 50%, and even more preferably no more than 30% by weight compared to the surrounding area in the absorbent core, and a basis weight of 0%. may have a quantity. This is from the viewpoint of using the channel as the starting point of the change guidance.
When the absorbent body comprises multiple absorbent cores (eg, an absorbent core and an additional absorbent core), the channel basis weight refers to the basis weight of each absorbent core.
Also, when the absorbent body comprises a plurality of absorbent cores (eg, an absorbent core and an additional absorbent core), each of the plurality of absorbent cores may or may not have the channels.

The absorbent article of the present disclosure can be equipped with an indicator. The indicator is preferably arranged at a position overlapping the low basis weight region in the thickness direction of the absorbent body. This is from the point of view of the quick response of the indicator. The indicator can be arranged, for example, on the skin side of the absorbent, the clothing side of the absorbent, or inside the absorbent in the thickness direction of the absorbent.

The absorbent article of the present disclosure includes a liquid-permeable sheet, a liquid-impermeable sheet, and the absorber disposed therebetween. The absorbent article may have an indicator. The indicator is preferably arranged at a position overlapping the low basis weight region in the thickness direction of the absorbent article. This is from the point of view of the quick response of the indicator. The indicator can be arranged, for example, between the liquid-permeable sheet and the absorbent body, or between the absorbent body and the liquid-impermeable sheet, in the thickness direction of the absorbent article.

In the absorbent body and absorbent article of the present disclosure, the indicator can be used without particular limitation to those known in the art. Compositions containing pH indicators, water-soluble dyes, and the like.

When the absorbent article of the present disclosure further comprises a core wrap, the core wrap can be of any wrap style known in the art. The core wrap includes a skin-side core wrap arranged on the skin side and a clothing-side core wrap arranged on the clothing side. In , it is preferable to cover the clothing side core wrap, that is, to have an overlapping portion of the skin side core wrap and the clothing side core wrap. Since the overlapping portion can temporarily store the liquid, the absorbent body has excellent rewetability.

1 Pants-type diaper 2 Abdominal part (abdominal waist belt)
3 dorsal part (dorsal waist belt)
4 crotch portion 5, 5a, 5b cover sheet 10 absorbent body 12 liquid permeable sheet 13 liquid impermeable sheet 14 absorber 41 first absorbent layer 42 second absorbent layer 43 intermediate layer 43 _OP intermediate layer overlapping portion 43 _NP intermediate Layer non-overlapping portion 43S Intermediate sheet 43a First sheet portion 43b Second sheet portion 43c Third sheet portion 44 First base material 45 First water absorbent material 46 Second base material 47 Second water absorbent material 48 Channel 61 Elastic member 101 Void 103 , 104, 105, 106 fold axis 107 indicator L longitudinal direction W width direction T thickness direction CL longitudinal center line CW width direction center line BA dorsal area FA ventral area MA crotch area C1 _OP first absorbent core overlapping area C1 _NP first absorbent core non-overlapping area C2 _OP second absorbent core overlapping area C2 _NP second absorbent core non-overlapping area LB low area area

Claims (9)

An absorbent body for an absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction and a thickness direction, and having a longitudinal centerline and a crotch region,
The absorbent body comprises, in the thickness direction, an absorbent core containing a superabsorbent polymer and an intermediate layer made of a nonwoven fabric ,
In the crotch region and the width direction, the absorbent core includes an absorbent core overlapping region that overlaps with the absorbent core in the thickness direction, and an absorbent core overlapping region that does not overlap with the absorbent core in the thickness direction. Divided into a pair of non-overlapping absorbent core regions located at both ends,
wherein the intermediate layer comprises an intermediate layer overlapping portion and a pair of intermediate layer non-overlapping portions respectively disposed in the absorbent core overlapping region and the pair of absorbent core non-overlapping regions in the crotch region;
In the crotch region, the average basis weight of each of the pair of intermediate layer non-overlapping portions is smaller than the average basis weight of the intermediate layer overlapping portion, or the thickness of each of the pair of intermediate layer non-overlapping portions is , smaller than the thickness of the intermediate layer overlapping portion,
wherein the intermediate layer overlapping portion is composed of a folded integral intermediate sheet and includes a plurality of sheet portions that are not joined together;
said intermediate layer comprising a first sheet portion, a pair of second sheet portions, and a pair of third sheet portions;
the first sheet portion is arranged across the longitudinal centerline in the entire width direction of the absorbent core overlapping region and is not arranged in the absorbent core non-overlapping region;
The pair of second sheet portions are arranged so as to approach the longitudinal center line from both width direction ends of the first sheet portion and not touch the longitudinal center line,
The pair of third sheet portions are arranged so as to move away from the longitudinal center line from both ends of the pair of second sheet portions from the longitudinal center line to the absorbent core non-overlapping region,
The intermediate layer is arranged on the skin side, the absorbent core is arranged on the clothing side, and the absorbent body further comprises an additional absorbent core containing a super absorbent polymer on the skin side of the intermediate layer,
The intermediate layer is a core wrap arranged on the skin side of the absorbent core and is also a core wrap arranged on the non-skin side of the additional absorbent core,
The absorber, characterized by: The absorbent body according to claim 1, wherein in the crotch region, the average basis weight of the intermediate layer non-overlapping portion is smaller than the average basis weight of the intermediate layer overlapping portion. The absorbent body according to claim 1 , wherein the pair of third sheet portions are arranged closer to the absorbent core than the first sheet portions. 2. The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein in the crotch region, the additional absorbent core comprises channels at locations overlapping the longitudinal centerline and the thickness direction. 5. Claims 1 to 4 , wherein the absorbent body has a low basis weight area having a lower basis weight than the surrounding area at a position overlapping the longitudinal center line in the thickness direction in the crotch area. Absorber according to any one of. 6. The absorbent body according to claim 5 , wherein said absorbent body comprises an indicator at a position overlapping said low basis weight region in said thickness direction. An absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable sheet, a liquid-impermeable sheet, and an absorbent body disposed therebetween,
The absorber is the absorber according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The absorbent article. The absorbent body includes a low basis weight area having a lower basis weight than the surrounding area at a position overlapping the longitudinal center line in the thickness direction in the crotch area,
The absorbent article includes an indicator at a position overlapping the low basis weight region in the thickness direction.
The absorbent article according to claim 7 . 9. The absorbent article according to claim 8 , wherein said indicator is arranged between said liquid-permeable sheet and said absorbent body, or between said absorbent body and said liquid-impermeable sheet.

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