JP7429520B2 - absorbent articles - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins.

Patent Document 1 proposes an absorbent article in which colored display materials are provided along both side edges of an absorbent core. By providing the indicator material, it is possible to visually indicate that the liquid has reached the side edge.

Special Publication No. 5-507865

In such absorbent articles, it is desired to visualize the absorption performance of excretory fluids such as menstrual blood.
An object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article whose absorbent performance can be visualized.

An absorbent article according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an absorber, a topsheet, and a backsheet.
The absorbent body has a front surface and a back surface.
The topsheet is placed on the front side.
The back sheet is arranged on the back side.
The absorbent article has a front-rear direction and a width direction that are orthogonal to each other.
The absorbent body has a central portion in the width direction and a pair of side portions located on both sides of the central portion with the central portion interposed therebetween.
The pair of lateral parts each include a first lateral colored part that extends in the front-rear direction and is visible from the topsheet.
The first side colored portion ^has a lower L* value and a higher b ^* value in the CIE-L ^* a ^* b ^* color system measured from the topsheet than the central portion.

As described above, according to the absorbent article of the present invention, absorption performance can be visualized.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial plan view schematically showing the color state of the absorbent article after menstrual blood has been deposited in the area facing the excretory part. It is a top view explaining the position of the slit in the said absorbent article. It is a top view for explaining the coating area of the coating agent in the said absorbent article. FIG. 7 is a plan view of an absorbent article according to another embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[Overall composition of napkin]
The absorbent article 1 of the present invention includes a main body M, a pair of wing portions W, and a compression groove 6, as shown in FIG. The absorbent article 1 is configured as a sanitary napkin, and is hereinafter referred to as the napkin 1.
The napkin 1 has a vertical direction X that corresponds to the front-back direction of the wearer and a horizontal direction Y that corresponds to the left-right direction of the wearer and is orthogonal to the vertical direction X. The lateral direction Y corresponds to the width direction of the napkin 1. Furthermore, the napkin 1 has a thickness direction Z that is orthogonal to both the longitudinal direction X and the lateral direction Y. In this specification, with respect to the thickness direction Z, the side closer to the wearer's skin when worn is sometimes referred to as the upper or skin side, and the side closer to clothing is sometimes referred to as the lower or non-skin side.

The main body M extends along the longitudinal direction X and is fixed to the inner surface of the wearer's clothing when worn. The main body M has an absorbent body 4 and has a function of absorbing liquid substances (hereinafter also referred to as "liquid") such as menstrual blood of the wearer.

The main body M is divided along the longitudinal direction X into a front part (vertical front part) M1, an intermediate part (vertical middle part) M2, and a rear part (vertical rear part) M3.
The intermediate portion M2 is a region facing the wearer's excretory region when worn. In FIG. 1, the intermediate portion M2 is a region between the front and rear base end portions of the wing portion W in the main body M.
The front part M1 is a region disposed in front of the intermediate part M2 (on the ventral side of the wearer), and is configured to face the front of the wearer's excretory region when worn.
The rear part M3 is a region located behind the intermediate part M2 (on the back side of the wearer), and is configured to face the rear of the wearer's excretory part when worn.
Note that when worn here, it means a state in which the normal proper wearing position (the expected wearing position of napkin 1) is maintained, and does not include cases where napkin 1 is shifted from the wearing position. .
Note that the napkin 1 may not have the wing portion W, or may be configured to be long in the vertical direction X for night use and may have a rear flap in the rear portion M3. If the napkin does not have wing parts, the main body M is divided into three equal parts along the longitudinal direction The area in which it is arranged is referred to as a rear part M3.

The wing portion W is configured to largely protrude outward in the lateral direction Y from the intermediate portion M2 of the main body M. When worn, the wing portion W is bent and fixed to the crotch area of clothing.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the napkin 1 includes an absorbent core 4, a top sheet 2, a back sheet 3, a pair of side sheets 5, and an intermediate sheet 9. In the main body M, the napkin 1 has a structure in which a back sheet 3, an absorbent core 4, and a top sheet 2 are laminated in the thickness direction Z. These structures are appropriately joined and integrated, for example, by joining with an adhesive, heat sealing, etc., and by embossing with the compressed grooves 6, etc.

The absorbent body 4 extends along the longitudinal direction X and is disposed between the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 3. The absorber 4 absorbs liquid from the surface on the top sheet 2 side, diffuses it inside, and retains the liquid. The absorbent body 4 has a front surface 4a and a back surface 4b. The front surface 4a is a skin side, and the back surface 4b is a non-skin side.

[Components]
(Absorber)
In this embodiment, the absorbent body 4 has a laminated structure of absorbent sheets.
As shown in FIG. 2, the absorbent body 4 includes a main absorbent sheet 41 and a central absorbent sheet 42.
The main body absorbent sheet 41 has a folding structure in which both ends in the width direction are overlapped on the back sheet 2 side and folded into three. The main body absorbent sheet 41 has a length extending from the middle part M2 to the front part M1 and the rear part M3, and has the outer shape of the absorbent body 4.
The central absorbent sheet 42 has a folded structure in which both ends in the width direction are overlapped on the topsheet 2 side and folded into three. In the folded state, the central absorbent sheet 42 has a narrow width with a shorter length in the horizontal direction Y than the folded main body absorbent sheet 41, and a narrower width in the longitudinal direction X than the main body absorbent sheet 41. It is short and arranged at the center of the intermediate portion M2 in the lateral direction Y. In this embodiment, the central absorbent sheet 42 also extends from the intermediate portion M2 to the front portion M1 and the rear portion M3. The central absorbent sheet 42 is housed inside the folded structure of the main absorbent sheet 41.
The main absorbent sheet 41 and the central absorbent sheet 42 are adhesively fixed with an adhesive (not shown).

In the above laminated structure, the skin-side surface of the main absorbent sheet 41 located above the central absorbent sheet 42 constitutes the surface 4a of the absorbent body 4. Further, the non-skin side surface of the main body absorbent sheet 41 located below the central absorbent sheet 42 constitutes the back surface 4b of the absorbent body 4.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the intermediate portion M2 of the absorbent body 4, the main absorbent sheet 41 and the central absorbent sheet 42 are laminated in the central region in the lateral direction Y. In the absorbent body 4, only the main body absorbent sheets 41 are laminated in both side regions on both sides of the central region in the lateral direction Y with the central region interposed therebetween. Therefore, in the middle portion M2 of the absorbent body 4, the number of stacked sheets in the central region in the lateral direction Y is greater than the number of stacked sheets in both side regions, and therefore the basis weight becomes higher. The absorbent body 4 has a high basis weight portion 8 having a higher basis weight than the surrounding area. The high basis weight portion 8 is bulkier than other portions of the absorbent core 4. Having the high basis weight portion 8 improves liquid absorption.

The main absorbent sheet 41 and the central absorbent sheet 42 that constitute the absorbent body 4 are each a thin sheet body in which a superabsorbent polymer material is sandwiched and fixed between two sheet-like fiber layers made of hydrophilic fibers. It is. In forming the absorbent sheet, the superabsorbent polymer can be integrated using the adhesive force developed by wetting or a binder such as an adhesive or adhesive fibers added separately. The production can be performed by various commonly used methods, and may be wet or dry. The absorbent sheet has a thickness of 3 mm or less and has highly absorbent polymer materials dispersed in the plane of the sheet, making it difficult to cause gel blocking and having high absorbency. Examples include those described in paragraphs [0019] to [0031] of JP-A-8-246395.

Examples of the hydrophilic fibers constituting the absorbent sheet include those obtained by hydrophilizing hydrophobic fibers and those that are themselves hydrophilic. In particular, those that are hydrophilic and have water-retaining properties themselves are preferred. Preferred examples of the latter hydrophilic fibers include natural fibers, regenerated cellulose fibers, and semi-synthetic fibers. As the hydrophilic fiber, pulp and rayon are particularly preferable, and pulp is more preferable. Further, crosslinked cellulose fibers obtained by crosslinking cellulose fibers within and/or between molecules, or bulky cellulose fibers obtained by mercerizing wood pulp may also be used. Examples of the pulp include, but are not limited to, wood pulp such as softwood kraft pulp or hardwood kraft pulp, and natural cellulose fibers such as cotton pulp and straw pulp. These pulps can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

The superabsorbent polymer material constituting the absorbent sheet is, for example, obtained by polymerizing a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer containing acrylic acid or an acrylate as a main component and optionally adding a crosslinking agent. Hydrogel materials may be mentioned. In addition, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, crosslinked products of sulfonated polystyrene and polyvinylpyridine, saponified products of starch-poly(meth)acrylonitrile graft copolymers, starch-poly(meth)acrylic acid graft copolymers, starch-poly( Examples include hydrolysates of meth)acrylic ester graft copolymers. These super absorbent polymer materials can be used alone or in combination of two or more. The superabsorbent polymer material is preferably one that can absorb and retain 20 times or more, particularly 50 times or more, of pure water and gelatinizes its own weight.
As for the shape of the superabsorbent polymer material, various shapes used for absorbent sheets can be used without particular limitation. Examples include spherical, granular, fibrous, bale-like, and lump-like shapes.

As shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent body 4 includes a central portion 21 located in a central region in the horizontal direction Y, and a pair of side portions located on both sides of the central portion 21 along the horizontal direction Y with the central portion 21 interposed therebetween. 25. The central portion 21 extends in the vertical direction X. The pair of lateral parts 25 includes a pair of first lateral colored parts 22 extending in the longitudinal direction X and a pair of second lateral colored parts 23 extending in the longitudinal direction X.
Here, "extending in the vertical direction X" is not limited to a mode parallel to the vertical direction X, but broadly includes a mode extending from the front to the rear. For example, the first lateral colored portion 22 may be curved or meandering.
The pair of first lateral colored portions 22 are located on both sides of the central portion 21 along the lateral direction Y with the central portion 21 interposed therebetween.
The pair of second side colored portions 23 are located on both sides of the pair of first side colored portions 22 with the pair interposed therebetween.

The first side colored portion 22 and the second side colored portion 23 are colored portions that are visible through the topsheet 2.
Here, "colored" means excluding not only colorless and transparent colors but also colors with an L ^* value of 95 or more (white). The L ^* value, a ^* value, and b ^* value in the CIE-L ^* a ^* b ^* color system can be measured with a color difference meter. For example, it can be determined by measuring the reflected light of the sheet using a handy spectrophotometer NF333 (trade name) manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd. under measurement conditions of light source C and viewing angle of 2 degrees. At this time, it is preferable to use a white plate or a white mount having an L ^* value of 95 or more as a background plate for the measurement.
Note that the L ^* value indicates brightness. The a ^* value and b ^* value indicate the direction of color. a ^* indicates a substantially red direction, -a ^* indicates a substantially green direction, b ^* indicates a substantially yellow direction, and -b ^* indicates a substantially blue direction. Colors in which the a ^* value and b ^* value in the CIE-L ^* a ^* b ^* color system approach 0 are intermediate colors such as white, gray, and black. The L ^* value, a ^* value, and b ^* value described below are values measured from the top sheet 2 of the napkin 1 using the color difference meter described above.
The hue of the appearance of the napkin 1 viewed from the top sheet 2 side will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 2, the absorber 4 has a plurality of slits 43 communicating in the thickness direction Z from the front surface 4a toward the back surface 4b. Further, the absorbent body 4 contains a cooling agent 11, a fragrance 12, and an antibacterial agent 13. Details will be described later.

(Top sheet)
The topsheet 2 is configured as a liquid-permeable sheet material, and is disposed above the absorbent body 4 in the thickness direction Z, and is disposed on the surface 4a side of the absorbent body 4. The topsheet 2 has, for example, a plurality of protrusions 15 that protrude outward in the thickness direction Z.

Various liquid-permeable sheets can be used as the top sheet 2. Considering the good feel to the touch, hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics are preferred, thermal bond nonwoven fabrics are more preferred, and air-through nonwoven fabrics are particularly preferred. It is preferable that the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric of the top sheet 2 are thermoplastic resin fibers that have been subjected to a hydrophilic treatment, and that the fibers are three-dimensionally crimped fibers such as secondary crimps or tertiary crimps. . Specifically, the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric of the top sheet 2 are polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester (polyethylene terephthalate, etc.), nylon, and composite fibers of these are prepared and cut into predetermined lengths to form staples. At this stage, it is made hydrophilic by coating with various hydrophilic agents. Hydrophilic agents include various alkyl sulfonates represented by α-olefin sulfonates, acrylates, acrylate/acrylamide copolymers, esteramides, salts of esteramides, polyethylene glycol and its derivatives, water-soluble Hydrophilic treatment using commonly used hydrophilic agents such as polyester resins, various silicone derivatives, various saccharide derivatives, and mixtures thereof can be used.

The topsheet 2 and the intermediate sheet 9, which will be described later, are arranged so that when the napkin 1 is viewed from the side of the topsheet 2, the first lateral colored portion 22 and the second lateral colored portion 23 of the absorbent body 4 are transparent and visible. It is composed of
In order to give the wearer a clean appearance of the napkin 1, typically a white top sheet 2 with an L ^* value of 80 or more is used as the top sheet 2 of the napkin 1. Here is an example using white.

(back sheet)
The back sheet 3 is disposed below the absorbent core 4 in the thickness direction Z, and is disposed on the back surface 4b side of the absorbent core 4. The back sheet 3 is joined to the top sheet 2 and side sheets 5 by adhesive, heat sealing, or the like, for example, at its periphery. The back sheet 3 may be bonded to the absorbent body 4 with an adhesive or the like.
Although not shown, the back sheet 3 is provided with an adhesive portion for fixing the main body M and the wing portions W to clothing.
As the back sheet 3, various materials having leakproof properties can be used. For example, a moisture-impermeable or moisture-permeable film alone, a film and a nonwoven fabric bonded together, or a water-repellent nonwoven fabric (SMS, SMMS, etc.) can be used. From the viewpoint of cost and matching with the anti-slip adhesive material, it is most preferable to use the non-transparent film alone as the leakage preventive material.

From the viewpoint of clean appearance of the napkin 1, the color of the back sheet 3 is preferably a cool color that contrasts with the color of menstrual blood. Specifically, it is preferable that the L ^* value, a ^* value, and b ^* value satisfy the following ranges. The L ^* value of the back sheet 3 is preferably 80 or more, more preferably 85 or more, and preferably 99 or less, still more preferably 96 or less. The a ^* value of the back sheet 3 is preferably -22 or more and 5 or less, more preferably -20 or more and 3 or less. The b ^* value of the back sheet 3 is preferably -12 or more and 5 or less, more preferably -10 or more and 4 or less.
For the back sheet 3, a material having an a ^* value and a b ^* value of 5 or less, such as white, green, light blue, or purple, can be used. In this embodiment, an example in which a white one is used will be given.

(side seat)
The pair of side sheets 5 are arranged on the outer side of the top sheet 2 in the lateral direction Y. As the side sheet 5, a sheet material having lower hydrophilicity than the top sheet 2 is preferable. The side sheet 5 is joined to the top sheet 2 by, for example, an adhesive (not shown) or heat fusion.
The side sheet 5 is preferably a water-repellent non-woven fabric, such as a water-repellent non-woven fabric manufactured by a card method, a spunbond non-woven fabric, a melt-blown non-woven fabric, a spunlace non-woven fabric, a heat roll non-woven fabric, a needle punched non-woven fabric, etc. Various water-treated nonwoven fabrics can be used. Particularly preferably, for example, spunbond nonwoven fabric, spunbond-meltblown (SM) nonwoven fabric, spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) nonwoven fabric, etc. are used.
For example, a white sheet can be used as the side sheet 5.

(intermediate sheet)
The intermediate sheet 9 is arranged between the top sheet 2 and the absorbent core 4. The intermediate sheet 9 is also called a second sheet or a sublayer sheet. The intermediate sheet 9 improves the permeability of liquid from the topsheet 2 to the absorber 4 and prevents the liquid absorbed by the absorber 4 from returning to the topsheet 2.
The intermediate sheet 9 is partially joined to the top sheet 2 and the absorbent body 4 by an adhesive (not shown) provided in a striped or spiral shape.
The intermediate sheet 9 is preferably one that is hydrophilic and has excellent liquid diffusivity. Examples include nonwoven fabrics containing thermoplastic fibers. As the nonwoven fabric, nonwoven fabrics obtained by various manufacturing methods can be used. For example, an air-through nonwoven fabric in which thermal bonding points between fibers are formed using an air-through method on a fibrous web obtained by a carding method or an air-laid method, or an air-through nonwoven fabric in which thermal bonding points between fibers are formed in a fibrous web obtained by a carding method using a heat rolling method. Various nonwoven fabrics can be used, such as heat rolled nonwoven fabrics, heat embossed nonwoven fabrics, spunlace nonwoven fabrics, needle punched nonwoven fabrics, and resin bonded nonwoven fabrics.
For example, a white sheet can be used as the intermediate sheet 9. Incidentally, a configuration may be adopted in which the intermediate sheet 9 is not provided.

(press groove)
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the topsheet 2 and the absorbent body 4 are compressed together in the thickness direction Z, and compressed grooves 6 extending in the longitudinal direction X are formed on the topsheet 2 side of the main body M.
In the compressed groove 6, "extending in the longitudinal direction X" is not limited to a mode parallel to the longitudinal direction X, but broadly includes a mode extending from the front to the rear. That is, the compressed groove 6 may be curved or meandering. Furthermore, the expression "the grooves extend in the longitudinal direction It is sufficient if it is substantially continuous in the vertical direction X.

As shown in FIG. 2, the compressed groove 6 has a configuration in which the top sheet 2 and the absorbent core 4 are integrally recessed toward the back sheet 3 side. The compressed grooves 6 can be formed according to a conventional method by compressing with or without heat or embossing such as ultrasonic embossing. In the compressed groove 6, the top sheet 2 and the absorbent core 4 are integrated by heat fusion or the like.

With such a configuration, the compressed groove 6 has higher rigidity than other regions and becomes a portion that is less likely to deform. Therefore, when the napkin 1 receives an external force, the compressed groove 6 can function as a deformation origin that promotes deformation of the surrounding low-rigidity region, or as a portion that exerts a resistance against the external force.
Moreover, since the compression groove 6 has a higher density of fibers than the surrounding area, it can absorb and retain the liquid excreted by capillary action. As a result, the compressed grooves 6 also have a leak-proofing effect that prevents liquid from leaking to the outside of the absorbent body 4.
As shown in FIG. 1, the compressed grooves 6 are arranged in pairs on the left and right in the lateral direction Y. The compressed grooves 6 shown in FIG. 1 are configured symmetrically with respect to a center line that equally divides the main body M into two in the lateral direction Y.

The compression groove 6 has a linear main body compression groove 61 extending in the vertical direction X and an intermediate compression groove 62.
The main body compression groove 61 has a pair of left and right compression grooves that extend in the vertical direction It extends so as to be close to the main body M, and is configured to go around the main body M as a whole.
A pair of intermediate compression grooves 62 are located inside the main body compression groove 61 and extend in the lateral direction Y. The pair of intermediate compressed grooves 62 are located so as to sandwich the intermediate portion M2 along the longitudinal direction X, and have a convex shape outward in the longitudinal direction X. Both ends of the pair of intermediate compression grooves 62 are not connected to the main body compression groove 61.

[Appearance of napkin]
The hue of the appearance of the napkin 1 viewed from the top sheet 2 side will be explained.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the napkin 1 includes a central portion 21, a pair of first lateral colored portions 22, a pair of second lateral colored portions 23, and a pair of peripheral portions including a wing portion W. 24. The pair of first lateral colored parts 22 and the pair of second lateral colored parts 23 extend in the longitudinal direction X. The second side colored portion 23 is an area where the coating liquid of the cooling sensation agent 11 is not coated, and the cooling sensation agent 11 may not be present, or the cooling sensation agent 11 may be coated on the central portion 21 etc. A cooling agent may be present as a result of diffusion of the agent 11.

In the present embodiment, in the middle region M2 (excretion part facing region) where the amount of liquid absorbed is large, it extends in ^the longitudinal direction A pair of first side colored portions 22 having a low b ^* value and a high b* value are located.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, when menstrual blood overlaps each of the first lateral colored portion 22 and the central portion 21, the red color of the menstrual blood stands out in the central portion 21, and the red color in the first lateral colored portion 22. becomes less noticeable, and the color of the menstrual blood adhering to the central part 21 becomes more visible. Furthermore, since the central portion 21 is sandwiched between the pair of first side colored portions 22 extending in the vertical direction X, it appears that the liquid is spreading in the vertical direction X. In this way, in the napkin 1, menstrual blood gathers in the central part 21 and is visually recognized as being absorbed in a narrow area, making it difficult to imagine stuffiness or stickiness from the appearance, and visually indicating that the napkin 1 has excellent absorbency. This can eliminate the wearer's anxiety about leakage and increase their sense of security.

To explain in detail, in the napkin 1 before menstrual blood is attached to it, the central part 21 has a higher L ^* value and has a stronger whitish color than the first side colored parts 22. Further, in the napkin 1 before menstrual blood is attached, the first side colored portions 22 have a stronger yellowish tinge than the central portion 21.
On the other hand, in the napkin 1 with overlapping menstrual blood, the L ^* value is low in both the central part 21 and the first lateral colored part 22, and the b ^* value is low and becomes a negative value.
In this embodiment, by setting the L ^* value of the first lateral colored portion 22 lower than that of the central portion 21, the brightness of the menstrual blood adhesion region and the menstrual blood non-adhesion region in the first lateral colored portion 22 is reduced. The difference is made smaller than the difference in brightness between the menstrual blood-attached area and the non-menstrual blood-adhered area in the central portion 21. This makes it more noticeable that menstrual blood is attached to the central portion 21, and it appears that the menstrual blood is concentrated in the central portion 21. Since menstrual blood appears to be concentrated in the central portion 21, concerns about leakage, which is an important issue in sanitary napkins, can be eliminated.
In addition, due to the overlap of menstrual blood, the b ^* value becomes low and negative in both the first lateral colored part 22 and the central part 21, but when menstrual blood is not attached, the first lateral colored part 22 and the central part 21 are Since the b ^* value of the portion 22 is higher than that of the central portion 21, the menstrual blood adhering region of the first side colored portion 22 has a more suppressed bluish tinge than the menstrual blood adhering region of the central portion 21, The b ^* value becomes closer to 0, resulting in a color closer to an intermediate color, and the red color of menstrual blood becomes less recognizable.
Therefore, when menstrual blood overlaps each of the first lateral colored portion 22 and the central portion 21, the red of the menstrual blood is noticeable in the central portion 21, and the red of the menstrual blood is less noticeable in the first lateral colored portion 22. The red color of the menstrual blood adhering to the central portion 21 is more visible, and further, the menstrual blood is spread in the vertical direction X by the pair of first side colored portions 22 extending in the vertical direction X. looks like.
In this way, menstrual blood appears smaller than it actually spreads, giving an impression of good absorbency. Specifically, it can give a good impression in terms of stuffiness and stickiness. In addition, if menstrual blood spreads in the Y direction, there is a risk of horizontal leakage, but by making the menstrual blood appear to spread in the X direction, it not only provides comfort when worn, but also reduces concerns about leakage.

Further, it is more preferable that the first side colored portions 22 have a lower a ^* value than the central portion 21.
As a result, in the menstrual blood adhesion region, the red color of menstrual blood is more emphasized in the central portion 21 than in the first side colored portions 22, and it appears that the menstrual blood is more concentrated in the central portion 21.

Further, it is preferable that the pair of second side colored portions 23 located laterally outward than the pair of first side colored portions 22 have a higher a ^* value than the pair of first side colored portions 22. preferable. As a result, when menstrual blood spreads to the second lateral colored part 23, the red color of the menstrual blood is emphasized in the second lateral colored part 23 more than in the first lateral colored part 22, so that the wearer can visually You can intuitively know when to replace it.

Furthermore, by forming the pair of first lateral colored parts 22 located on both sides of the central part 21, when the napkin 1 is attached to clothes, the pair of first lateral colored parts 22 are used as a mark in the lateral direction Y. The napkin 1 can be easily aligned and has excellent installation workability.

The color of the central portion 21 is preferably green or white with a suppressed yellow tinge.
The a ^* value of the central portion 21 when the napkin 1 is measured from the top sheet 2 side is preferably less than 0, and more preferably from -10 to -0.5.
The b ^* value of the central portion 21 is preferably 0.1 or more, more preferably 0.5 to 3.
The L ^* value of the central portion 21 is preferably 90 or more, more preferably 91-99.

The color of the first side colored portion 22 is preferably in the range of yellow to yellow-green.
The a ^* value of the first lateral colored portion 22 is preferably less than 0, more preferably from -15 to -0.5.
The b ^* value of the first side colored portion 22 is preferably 0.5 or more, more preferably 0.8 to 5.
The L ^* value of the first side colored portion 22 is preferably 85 or more, more preferably 88-92.

The Δa ^* value, which is the difference between the a ^* value of the central portion 21 and the a ^* value of the first side colored portion 22, is preferably 0 to 5, more preferably 0 to 3.
The Δb ^* value, which is the difference between the b ^* value of the central portion 21 and the b ^* value of the first side colored portions 22, is preferably 0.5 or more, and more preferably 0.8 to 5.
The ΔL* value, which is the difference between the L ^* value ^of the central portion 21 and the L ^* value of the first side colored portions 22, is preferably 1 or more, and more preferably 2 to 10. By setting the ΔL ^* value within this range, the yellow of the first side colored portion 22 becomes a color with an appropriate presence that is not visually overpowering.

The a ^* value of the second side colored portion 23 is preferably −14 or more and less than 0.
The b ^* value of the second side colored portion 23 is preferably 0 or more and 5 or less.
The L ^* value of the second side colored portion 23 is preferably 88 or more and 99 or less.

More specifically, the napkin 1 of this embodiment exhibits the following colors when viewed from the top sheet 2 side.
The center portion 21 is green with a suppressed yellow tinge.
The first lateral colored portion 22 is yellow, and the first lateral colored portion 22 constitutes a yellow line portion.
The second lateral colored portion 23 is green, and the second lateral colored portion 23 constitutes a green line portion.
The peripheral portion 24 is an area where the absorber 4 is not located in a plan view, and is an area where the side sheet 5 and the back sheet 3 overlap. In this embodiment, the side sheets 5 and the back sheet 3 are white, and the color of the peripheral portion 24 is white.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the napkin 1 of this embodiment has a slightly green central portion 21 and a pair of yellow colored central portions located immediately on both sides of the central portion 21, as viewed from the topsheet 2 side. A first lateral colored part 22 that becomes a line part, and a second lateral colored part that becomes a pair of green line parts located immediately on both sides of the central part 21 and the first lateral colored part 22. 23, and a pair of white peripheral parts 24 are located on both sides of the white peripheral part 23.
In this way, the napkin 1 of this embodiment is made of a color other than the red color of menstrual blood, and the napkin 1 has a sanitary appearance. In the area where the absorbent body 4 is located, the napkin 1 is formed with a color gradation in which the color changes from the center in the horizontal direction Y toward the outside when viewed from the topsheet 2 side.

The napkin 1 in which such a color gradation that changes in the width direction Y is formed can be manufactured using the absorbent body 4 having the colored main body absorbent sheet 41 and a coating liquid. Specifically, it is manufactured by applying a coating liquid that is highly compatible with the coloring agent used for coloring along the vertical direction X to the central region of the surface 4a of the colored absorber 4 in the horizontal direction Y. be able to. A manufacturing method example will be described later.

[Positional relationship between the compression groove and the lateral colored part]
As shown in FIG. 1, the first side colored portion 22 and the compressed groove 5 overlap at least in part. As described above, the compressed grooves 6 also have a leak-proofing function that prevents liquid from leaking to the outside of the absorbent body 4. By overlapping the compressed grooves 6 and the first lateral colored portions 22, the function of the compressed grooves 6 to block liquid is visually emphasized, and the wearer's sense of security can be further enhanced.

[Detailed structure of absorber]
The absorbent body 4 contains a cooling agent 11, a fragrance 12, and an antibacterial agent 13. In FIG. 2, in order to explain the positions of the cooling agent 11, the fragrance 12, and the antibacterial agent 13, the cooling agent, the fragrance, and the antibacterial agent are schematically illustrated with thickness for convenience.

(Cooling agent and its placement position)
In FIG. 5, the area to which the coating liquid of the cooling sensation agent 11 is applied during the coating operation is designated by the reference numeral 30 and indicated by diagonal lines. As shown in FIG. 5, the coating liquid of the cooling sensation agent 11 is applied over the entire length in the vertical direction X to the center area in the horizontal direction Y of the surface 4a of the absorber 4, and is not applied to both side areas. . After applying the coating liquid of the cooling sensation agent 11, by leaving it for a predetermined period of time, the coating liquid spreads slightly outward in the lateral direction Y from the coating area 30 in plan view, and the cooling sensation agent 11 is applied. It is distributed over an area slightly wider than the work area 30. After coating, the coating liquid of the cooling sensation agent 11 spreads slightly outward in the lateral direction Y, so that in the region of the napkin 1 where the cooling sensation agent 11 is located, the coating liquid of the cooling sensation agent 11 spreads outward from the central region in the lateral direction Y. The cooling agent 11 is distributed such that the amount of the cooling agent 11 is smaller in the region. In this embodiment, the cooling sensation agent 11 is located in the central portion 21 and the first side colored portion 22, and the cooling sensation agent 11 is not located in the second side colored portion 23. Further, the first side colored portion 22 has a smaller amount of cooling agent 11 per unit area than the central portion 21 . FIG. 2 shows a state in which the coating liquid has spread and the cooling agent 11 is distributed more widely than the coating area 30.

As the cooling sensation agent 11, those known in the art can be used. For example, the cooling agent 11 may include various types that can stimulate temperature receptors on the wearer's skin or mucous membrane surface and convey a cooling sensation to the wearer without changing the temperature on the skin or mucous membrane surface. Agents can be used. Examples include those described in paragraphs [0006] to [0086] of JP-A No. 2005-12918, such as cyclohexyl derivatives, cyclohexanol derivatives, and carboxamides. Among these, water-insoluble or poorly water-soluble ones are preferable from the viewpoint of refreshing smell, fast-acting properties, and sustainability. Water-insoluble or poorly water-soluble cooling sensation agents are difficult to transfer to the non-skin side with the liquid, so the cooling sensation tends to last. Menthyl lactate and menthol are preferable as water-insoluble or poorly water-soluble substances. The term "water-insoluble or poorly water-soluble" as used herein refers to solubility of 1 g or less per liter of water at 25°C, and particularly "water-insoluble" means 0.1 g or less per liter of water at 25°C. It is said that the solubility of
It is particularly preferable that the cooling sensation agent 11 contains menthol and menthyl lactate because the cooling sensation effect can be felt quickly after wearing, is gentle, and increases sustainability.

The cooling sensation agent 11 is applied onto the surface 4a of the absorber 4 in the form of a coating liquid dissolved in a solvent. As the solvent, various commonly used solvents can be used. Examples include dipropylene glycol.
In this embodiment, the cooling agent coating liquid also has the function of changing the color of the napkin 1 viewed from the topsheet 2 side in the lateral direction Y. As the solvent for the coating liquid of the cooling sensation agent 11, a solvent having high compatibility with the coloring agent can be used.

By using the cooling sensation agent 11 in the napkin 1, a cooling sensation can be given to the wearer, and the wearer can feel refreshed by the cooling sensation. As shown in Fig. 5, the coating liquid of the cooling agent 11 is applied over the entire length in the vertical direction, so it can give a cooling sensation to the front and rear directions of the body, thereby reducing discomfort such as stuffiness. can be reduced.
Furthermore, as described above, in the present embodiment, the cooling sensation agent 11 is located in the central portion 21 and the first lateral colored portion 22, and the cooling sensation agent 11 is not located in the second lateral colored portion 23. Further, the first side colored portion 22 has a smaller amount of cooling agent 11 per unit area than the central portion 21 . Thereby, when the napkin is worn, the cooling agent 11 is difficult to be located in a part of the napkin 1 that tends to come into contact with the groin area, which is sensitive to irritation, and the irritation caused by the cooling agent 11 to the groin area can be reduced.

(Location of fragrance and antibacterial agent)
As shown in FIG. 2, the fragrance 12 and the antibacterial agent 13 are applied, for example, to the entire surface of one side of the central absorbent sheet 42 before being folded. The absorbent body 4 is constructed by folding the central absorbent sheet 42 with the side coated with the fragrance 12 and the antibacterial agent 13 facing inside, and covering this folded central absorbent sheet 42 with the main absorbent sheet 41. Ru. Thereby, the fragrance 12 and the antibacterial agent 13 are retained inside the absorbent body 4. Incidentally, the fragrance 12 and the antibacterial agent 13 may be coated on the entire surface of one side of the central absorbent sheet 42, or may be coated on a part of the surface of the central absorbent sheet 42.

In FIG. 5, the region where the central absorbent sheet 42 is located in plan view is the region where the fragrance 12 and the antibacterial agent 13 are located. In the napkin 1, in plan view, the area 30 where the cooling agent 11 is applied is larger than the area where the fragrance 12 and the antibacterial agent 13 are applied. In the intermediate portion M2 of the napkin 1, which is the area facing the excretory part, the cooling agent 11, the fragrance 12, and the antibacterial agent 13 overlap in plan view.

The fragrance 12 may be one whose aroma component volatilizes into the atmosphere under atmospheric pressure, and is preferably one whose aroma can be perceived in an environment of normal temperature and normal pressure. By using such a fragrance, unpleasant odors caused by excreta such as menstrual blood can be masked by the fragrance of the fragrance, and discomfort can be alleviated. By disposing the fragrance 12 on the central absorbent sheet 42, excessive volatilization of the fragrance can be suppressed, and the sustainability of the odor masking effect can be increased. Further, in the napkin 1, the central absorbent sheet 42 is arranged in a region where a large amount of liquid is absorbed, so that the fragrance 12 can efficiently mask odors.

The antibacterial agent 13 prevents the generation of bad odor caused by bacteria. The antibacterial effect is exerted when excrement such as menstrual blood comes into contact with the antibacterial agent 13. By disposing the antibacterial agent 13 on the central absorbent sheet 42, the antibacterial agent is less likely to transfer to the wearer's skin, and the antibacterial agent is less likely to come into contact with the resident bacteria present on the wearer's skin. The feeling of use is good.
By containing the antibacterial agent 13 in the absorbent body 4, in addition to suppressing the feeling of stuffiness and stickiness caused by the cooling sensation agent 11, the growth of bacteria that is likely to be caused by stuffiness and stickiness is suppressed, making the wearer comfortable. Napkin 1 can be used for

In the absorbent body 4 having a laminated structure, the central absorbent sheet containing the fragrance 12 and the antibacterial agent 13 is disposed in the region sandwiched between the pair of first lateral colored parts 22 in the central part 21, and The width between the colored portions 22 on one side is equal to or greater than the length of the central absorbent sheet in the lateral direction Y.
By providing the antibacterial agent 13 on the central absorbent sheet 42 forming the high basis weight section 8 located in the region facing the excretory section where a large amount of menstrual blood is absorbed, the antibacterial effect can be efficiently exhibited.

(fragrance)
As the fragrance 12, those conventionally used in absorbent articles can be used. As the fragrance, for example, a highly volatile fragrance ingredient with a boiling point of about 250°C or less, or a medium-volatile fragrance ingredient with a boiling point of about 250 to about 300°C is preferably used.

Examples of the highly volatile fragrance ingredients used as fragrances include anisole, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl formate, isobornyl acetate, citronellal, citronellol, citronellyl acetate, paracymene, decanal, dihydrolinalool, dihydromircenol, and dimethyl. Phenylcarbinol, eucalyptol, 1-carvone, geranial, geraniol, geranyl acetate, geranylnitrile, neryl acetate, nonyl acetate, linalool, ethyllinalool, linalyl acetate, phenylethyl alcohol, α-pinene, β-pinene, γ- Examples include pinene, α-ionone, β-ionone, γ-ionone, α-terpineol, β-terpineol, terpinyl acetate, tentalom, and the like, and one type of these can be used alone or two or more types can be used in combination.

Examples of the medium-volatile fragrance ingredients used as the fragrance include amylcinnamaldehyde, methyl dihydrojasmonate, isoamyl salicylate, β-caryophyllene, cedrene, cedryl methyl ether, cinnamic alcohol, coumarin, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl acetate, Examples include eugenol, γ-methylionone, heliotropin, hexyl salicylate, cis-3-hexenyl salicylate, phenylhexanol, pentalide, and the like, and one type of these can be used alone or two or more types can be used in combination.

In addition to the above-mentioned high-volatility and medium-volatile fragrance components, or in addition to the above-mentioned high-volatility and medium-volatile fragrance components, the absorbent may also include fragrances having rose, lavender, jasmine, and ylang-ylang scents. It is also possible to use a fragrance composition containing the following. Examples of such fragrance compositions include nerol, lavandulol, jasmal, cyclopidene, and the like, and one type of these can be used alone or two or more types can be used in combination. Fragrances include the above-mentioned single fragrance materials, as well as natural essential oils and blended bases, which are combinations of fragrance materials made up of multiple fragrances (fragrance compositions) that have been diluted and adjusted with solvents. ” is included. For example, a fragrance composition containing a fragrance having rose, lavender, jasmine, or ylang-ylang-like fragrance can be used as the fragrance.

(antibacterial agent)
As the antibacterial agent, those conventionally used in absorbent articles can be used. As the antibacterial agent, it is preferable to use an organic antibacterial agent. When the odor-causing substance in excrement is organic, organic antibacterial agents can be expected to have high antibacterial and deodorizing properties due to their good affinity with the odor-causing substance. From the viewpoint of affinity with organic odor-causing substances and bacteria, organic cationic antibacterial agents are particularly preferred. Cationic antibacterial agents can suppress the generation of strong putrid odors as a control of malodor production.

Cationic antibacterial agents are organic compound-based antibacterial agents that elute into excreta such as urine more often than metal ion-based agents such as silver, zinc, and copper, and have a wide range of antibacterial effects. In particular, quaternary ammonium salts such as didecyldimethylammonium salts, alkylpyridinium salts, benzethonium salts, benzalkonium salts, monoalkyltrimethylammonium salts, and dialkyldimethylammonium salts are mentioned, and at least one salt selected from the group consisting of Preferably, it contains seeds. These cationic antibacterial agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
Among the above-mentioned benzalkonium salts, it is particularly preferable to use benzalkonium cetyl phosphate as the antibacterial agent 13 from the viewpoint of high antibacterial properties, safety, and immediate effect. Among organic cationic antibacterial agents, benzalkonium cetyl phosphate has a good balance of antibacterial properties and low irritation to the skin (low water solubility), and is relatively safe. It is suitable as

(Positional relationship between cooling agent and antibacterial agent)
As shown in FIG. 2, the cooling agent 11 is located closer to the skin than the antibacterial agent 13 in the thickness direction Z. The cooling agent 11 and the antibacterial agent 13 overlap in plan view.
Menthol and menthyl lactate used as the cooling agent 11 have low liquid migration properties, so even if liquid such as menstrual blood is absorbed into the absorber 4, it is difficult to transfer to the non-skin side with the liquid, and the coated surface 4a There are many on top. In addition, benzalkonium cetyl phosphate, which is used as antibacterial agent 13, has low liquid transferability, and the concentration of the functional agent in each case does not change much with the passage of time when the napkin is used, and each product stably exerts its effect in the designated place. . Furthermore, menthol has an antibacterial effect, although its effect is smaller than that of antibacterial agent 13, and is less irritating to the skin.
In this way, in the napkin 1, menthol (cooling agent 11) is located in the area where a large amount of menstrual blood is absorbed, and benzalkonium cetyl phosphate (antibacterial agent 13), which has a high antibacterial effect, is located below it. Ingredients with different antibacterial effects are located in two overlapping positions. As a result, the napkin 1 has a high antibacterial effect that is less irritating to the skin and can exhibit an antibacterial effect in stages.

(slit)
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the absorber 4 has a plurality of slits 43 that communicate in the thickness direction Z from the front surface 4a toward the back surface 4b.
The slit 43 is a ventilation means arranged in the thickness direction Z of the absorbent body 4. The slit 43 guides the volatile components of the cooling agent 11 and fragrance 12 to the skin surface. The slit 43 acts as a movement path for the volatile components of the cooling agent 11 and the fragrance 12, and a movement path for air due to deformation of the absorber 4 and the like.

A plurality of slits 43 are formed, for example, in an area surrounded by the main body pressing groove 61 and sandwiched between a pair of intermediate pressing grooves 62 . The plurality of slits 43 are located across the longitudinal direction X of the napkin 1, including the area facing the excretion part.
In the absorbent body 4, the slits 43 are formed in a straight line extending in the longitudinal direction . In this embodiment, the plurality of slits 43 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction X, and the vertical rows are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction Y.

By providing the slits 43, the cooling agent 11 and the fragrance 12 can be efficiently sent to the skin from a wide area of the absorbent body 4 while suitably controlling the exudation direction of the cooling agent 11 and the fragrance 12 in the plane direction. I can do it.
Further, by providing the slit 43, the liquid excreted by the wearer passes through the slit 43 and reaches the antibacterial agent 13, and the liquid and the antibacterial agent 13 come into contact with each other efficiently, so that the antibacterial effect is quickly exerted.
Furthermore, the slits 43 extending in the vertical direction X promote the diffusion of the liquid in the vertical direction, and the pair of first side colored portions extending in the vertical direction X and located with the central portion 21 interposed therebetween. Due to the synergistic effect with the enhancement of the color of the menstrual blood adhering to the central part 21 by 22, the concentration of menstrual blood in the central part 21 is more easily recognized, and the sense of security that liquid leakage is suppressed is improved.

The slit 43 can be defined as a cut portion having a width of 0.5 mm or less in the transverse direction Y of the member break, preferably 0.3 mm or less, and more preferably 0.2 mm or less. The width of the slit 43 can be measured by taking out the absorbent body 4 from the napkin 1 and placing it on a horizontal table in a natural state without applying any tension using a digital microscope VHX-900 manufactured by Keyence Corporation. During measurement, the measurement magnification is adjusted as appropriate.

The slits 43 may have various depths in the thickness direction Z of the absorbent body 4. For example, it may be located at a predetermined depth from the surface 4a, or it may be located over the entire thickness direction Z of the absorbent body 4 and penetrate through the absorbent body 4 as in this embodiment.

Furthermore, the slits 43 are not limited to being disposed only in the absorbent core 4, and may be slits that penetrate from the intermediate sheet 9 to the absorbent core 4 at the same position. Thereby, the path of the volatile components of the cooling agent 11 and the fragrance 12 is continuous from the absorbent body 4 to the intermediate sheet 9, and the volatile components can be smoothly sent from the inside of the absorbent body 4 to the skin.

[Example of napkin production]
The napkin manufacturing process includes the following steps. Note that the numerical values described here are just examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto.
The manufacturing process of the napkin 1 includes a step (S1) of forming the main absorbent sheet 41, a step (S2) of forming the central absorbent sheet 42, a step (S3) of applying a cooling agent, and a step (S3) of forming the main absorbent sheet 41. 4 (S4), a step (S5) of forming slits, and a step (S6) of sandwiching the absorbent body 4 between the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 3 to form a napkin.

In S1 above, an absorbent sheet, which is a thin sheet body in which a highly absorbent polymer material is sandwiched and fixed between two sheet-like fiber layers made of hydrophilic fibers, is colored with a coloring agent, and a colored main body absorbent material is formed. A sheet 41 is formed. In this embodiment, the colorant is green, and a green body absorbent sheet 41 can be obtained.

Next, in the above S2, fragrance 12 is applied to one side of the absorbent sheet, which is a thin sheet body in which a superabsorbent polymer material is sandwiched and fixed between two sheet-like fiber layers made of hydrophilic fibers. 0g and 0.648mg of benzalkonium cetyl phosphate (antibacterial agent 13) are applied to form the central absorbent sheet 42. The central absorbent sheet 42 has a length in the longitudinal direction X of 90 mm and a length in the lateral direction Y of 35 mm in the folded state.

Next, in the above S3, the coating liquid of the cooling agent 11 is applied linearly to the central region in the horizontal direction Y on one surface of the main body absorbent sheet 41 over a total length of 190 mm in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, 2.5 mg of menthol and 25 mg of menthyl lactate were applied to a coating area 30 measuring 190 mm in length and 45 mm in width. The surface of the main body absorbent sheet 41 to which the cooling sensation agent 11 is coated constitutes the surface 4a when the absorbent body 4 is formed.
After coating, the main absorbent sheet 41 is allowed to stand for a predetermined time in a predetermined temperature environment. In the standing step, the entire surface of the main body absorbent sheet 41 is covered with an airtight container to keep it in a highly airtight state so that the cooling agent 11 is difficult to volatilize to the outside.
The coating liquid for the cooling sensation agent 11 may be one that is highly compatible with the coloring agent. Specifically, the coating liquid of the cooling agent 11 is a solution in which menthol (cooling agent 11) and menthyl lactate (cooling agent 11) are dissolved in dipropylene glycol (solvent). The coloring agent for the main absorbent sheet 41 is a green dye that is a mixture of yellow and blue dyes. The yellow dye has higher compatibility with the coating liquid of the cooling sensation agent 11 than the blue dye. Note that the coating liquid may contain a fragrance.

Next, in the above S4, the central absorbent sheet 42 folded with the side coated with the fragrance 12 and the antibacterial agent 13 inside is enclosed, and the colored main body absorbent sheet coated with the cooling agent 11 is wrapped. The sheet 41 is folded to form an absorbent body 4 having a laminated structure. The absorbent body 4 has a front surface 4a and a back surface 4b. The length of the absorbent body 4 in the vertical direction X is 190 mm, and the length in the horizontal direction Y is 75 mm.

Next, in the above S5, a plurality of slits 43 are formed from the front surface 4a to the back surface 4b of the absorbent body 4, and the absorbent body 4 is manufactured.
Next, in the above S6, the intermediate sheet 9 and the top sheet 2 are placed in this order on the front side 4a of the absorbent body 4, the back sheet 3 is placed on the back side 4b, the side sheets 5 are placed, and then the back sheet 3 is placed on the back side 4b. A napkin 1 is manufactured by forming an adhesive part on the non-skin side of the napkin.

After the step of applying the coating liquid for the cooling sensation agent 11 in S3 above, the coating liquid for the cooling sensation agent 11 spreads in the lateral direction Y on the main absorbent sheet 41 by leaving it at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time. At this time, the colorant having high compatibility with the coating liquid of the cooling sensation agent 11 moves outward in the lateral direction Y. Since the yellow dye has higher compatibility with the coating liquid of the cooling sensation agent 11 than the blue dye, the yellower dye moves more significantly outward in the lateral direction Y.
As a result, in the absorber 4, the central portion 21 exhibits a green color that is less yellowish than the color of the main absorbent sheet 41 before being coated with the coating liquid of the cooling sensation agent 11. First side colored portions 22, which are yellow line portions, are formed in a linear shape extending in the vertical direction X on both sides of the central portion 21 with the center portion 21 interposed therebetween. Further, in the second side colored portion 23 corresponding to the area where the coating liquid of the cooling sensation agent 11 is not located, since such movement of the dye has not occurred, the coating liquid of the cooling sensation agent 11 is not located before the coating liquid of the cooling sensation agent 11 is applied. It exhibits the same green color as the color of the main body absorbent sheet 41. As a result, the pair of second side colored portions 23 become a pair of green line portions.
Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, in the absorber 4, a pair of yellow line parts (first lateral colored parts 22) are located on both sides of the green center part 21 with a suppressed yellow tinge, Further, a pair of green line portions (second colored side portions 23) are located between a pair of yellow line portions (first colored side portions 22). In this embodiment, these colors of the absorber 4 are visible through the topsheet 2 and can be visually recognized. Further, in the napkin 1, a pair of white peripheral parts 24 are located with a pair of green line parts (second side colored parts 23) interposed therebetween.

Here, like the napkin 10 shown in FIG. 6, the pair of first lateral colored parts 31, which are yellow line parts, may have a convex shape outward in the lateral direction Y in the intermediate region M2.
In FIG. 6, the same components as those of the above-described napkin 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted.
As shown in FIG. 6, the napkin 10 includes a first lateral colored portion 31 that is a pair of yellow line portions on both sides in the lateral direction Y, with a green center portion 21 with a suppressed yellow tinge interposed therebetween; A pair of green line parts (second side colored parts 32) are provided on both sides of a pair of yellow line parts (first side colored parts 31). The pair of yellow line parts (first lateral colored parts 22) are located further outward in the lateral direction Y in the intermediate region M2, which is the excretion part facing region, than in the front region M1 and the rear region M3.
The reason why the first lateral colored portion 31 has a convex shape outward in the lateral direction Y in the intermediate region M2 is that there is a thick region in which the high basis weight portion 8 is located in the intermediate region M2. On the other hand, this is considered to be due to the fact that such a thick region does not exist in the front region M1 and the rear region M3. That is, in the folding process of the napkin forming process, when the napkin is pressed in the folded state, more pressure is applied to the thicker area of the high basis weight part 8, so that the coating liquid of the cooling agent moves. This is thought to be because the movement of the dye becomes more pronounced accordingly.

Also in the form shown in FIG. 6, when menstrual blood overlaps the yellow line part (first lateral colored part 31) and the central part 21, the red of the menstrual blood stands out in the central part 21, and the first lateral colored part 31 In portion 31, the red color becomes less noticeable. As a result, the menstrual blood adhering to the central portion 21 looks more conspicuous, and the menstrual blood appears to be spreading in the vertical direction X due to the first side colored portions 31 extending in the vertical direction X. Therefore, it is visually recognized that the menstrual blood is absorbed so as to collect in the central part 21, and it is possible to visually recognize that the napkin 1 has excellent absorbency, eliminating the wearer's anxiety about leakage. It can increase your sense of security.
Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the first lateral colored portion 31 has a convex shape outward in the lateral direction Y in the intermediate region M2, so that the actual menstrual blood and other liquids in the napkin are separated from each other by the diffusion region and the menstrual blood. It is possible to minimize discrepancies in the appearance of absorption, and it is possible to notify the wearer of a more appropriate replacement time.

In this way, the napkins 1 and 10 of this embodiment have a color gradation by coating the absorber 4 colored with a colorant (dye) with a coating liquid that is highly compatible with the colorant. A napkin 1 can be manufactured. This eliminates the need for a separate step of forming yellow line portions on the absorber 4 and the topsheet 2 by printing, etc., and the number of work steps is reduced.

In addition, in the above manufacturing method example, a cooling agent coating liquid is applied to the surface of the absorbent body before the absorbent sheet is folded, but it is possible to form an absorbent body with a layered structure. After that, a coating liquid of a cooling agent may be applied.

As described above, in the napkin of this embodiment, menstrual blood is visually recognized to be concentrated in the central part of the napkin in the horizontal direction Y and absorbed within a narrow area, and the absorption performance is visualized. Visually, it is hard to imagine stuffiness or stickiness. Furthermore, by incorporating a cooling agent, discomfort caused by stuffiness and stickiness can be suppressed and a refreshing feeling can be given to the wearer.

[Other examples]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, the absorbent body 4 in which the central absorbent sheet 42 and the main absorbent sheet 41 are laminated is taken as an example, but the structure of the absorbent body is not limited to this. For example, the absorbent body may be composed of an absorbent core and a core wrap sheet.
The absorbent core has a structure in which the superabsorbent polymer P is held in a fiber aggregate made of hydrophilic fibers such as pulp fibers, but is not limited to this structure. The absorbent core can be formed by stacking liquid-absorbing materials such as pulp, and by increasing the amount of the liquid-absorbing material stacked than the surrounding area, a high basis weight area is created in the region of the absorbent core facing the excretory part. It is also possible to have a configuration in which
The core wrap sheet has the function of covering the absorbent core and, for example, maintaining the shape of the absorbent core. The core wrap sheet is made of, for example, thin, soft paper such as tissue paper, liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric, or the like.

When using an absorbent body having such a configuration, for example, the core wrap sheet is colored. For coloring, like the absorber 4 described above, a green colorant containing yellow and blue dyes can be used as a coloring agent.
The cooling sensation agent coating liquid is coated on the surface of the absorbent body, that is, on the core wrap sheet. The cooling agent coating liquid is applied to the center of the absorbent body in the horizontal direction Y over the entire length in the vertical direction X. As with the coating liquid used for the absorber 4, a mixture of menthol, menthyl lactate, and dipropylene glycol (solvent) can be used as the cooling agent coating liquid. In addition to this, a fragrance may be included.

The absorbent body has a central part located in a central region in the horizontal direction Y, and a pair of side parts located on both sides of the central part along the horizontal direction Y with the central part interposed therebetween. The pair of lateral parts includes a pair of first lateral colored parts extending in the longitudinal direction X and a pair of second lateral colored parts extending in the longitudinal direction X. The pair of second side colored parts are located on both sides of the pair of first side colored parts with the pair interposed therebetween.

Similar to the above-mentioned napkin 1, a color gradation is formed on the absorbent body by applying a cooling agent coating liquid to a colored core wrap sheet. In an absorbent body consisting of an absorbent core and a core wrap sheet, the core wrap sheet has a lower basis weight than the main body absorbent sheet 41 of the absorbent body 4, and further contains a polymer material contained in the main body absorbent sheet 41. Not included. Therefore, by allowing the core wrap sheet to stand for a predetermined period of time after coating, the blue dye as well as the yellow dye move outward in the lateral direction Y in the core wrap sheet.
As a result, the central portion of the absorber in the lateral direction Y appears white. The both side portions located on both sides of the center portion include a pair of linear first side colored portions extending in the longitudinal direction X and a pair of second side colored portions. Each of the pair of first side colored parts is composed of, for example, a blue line part extending in the vertical direction X and a yellow line part extending in the vertical direction X, and the blue line part is located on the inside in the horizontal direction Y, The yellow line portion is located on the outside in the horizontal direction Y. Further, in the second side colored portion corresponding to the area where the cooling sensation agent is not located, such movement of the dye does not occur, so that the color appears green.
Therefore, in an absorbent body consisting of an absorbent core and a corewrap sheet, a pair of blue line parts extending vertically are located on both sides of a white central part, and a pair of blue line parts are placed between them. A color gradation is formed such that a pair of yellow line portions are located at , and a pair of green line portions are located on both sides of the pair of yellow line portions with the pair of yellow line portions in between. These colors of the absorber are visible through the top sheet. Furthermore, in the napkin, a pair of white peripheral parts are located with a pair of green line parts in between.

As described above, the present invention can also be applied to napkins that include an absorbent body consisting of an absorbent core and a core wrap sheet.

Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, a cooling agent coating liquid is used as the coating liquid applied to the absorbent body 4 to form a color gradation on the napkin, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, dipropylene glycol used as a solvent for a cooling agent coating solution that does not contain a cooling agent may be used, and it forms a color gradation on the absorbent body in the same way as the cooling agent coating solution. can do. In addition, by using a coating liquid containing a cooling agent, the yellow line portion tends to appear more clearly.

Further, for example, in the above-described embodiments, a sanitary napkin is shown as an example of the absorbent article, but the absorbent article is not limited thereto. The absorbent article of the present invention may be, for example, a urine absorbing pad, a vaginal discharge sheet, a disposable diaper, or the like.

[Additional explanation]
The explanation of this embodiment will be supplemented below.
(How to evaluate the hue of napkins)
The above-mentioned napkin 1 is manufactured by arranging an intermediate sheet and a top sheet on the front surface 4a of the absorbent core 4 using the above-described absorbent sheet, arranging the back sheet 3 on the back surface 4b, and further arranging the side sheets 5.
In addition, a top sheet and a back sheet are arranged on the front surface and the back sheet of an absorbent body consisting of an absorbent core and a core wrap sheet, and the absorbent body is sandwiched between the top sheet and the back sheet. A napkin is manufactured using the side sheet that constitutes W. This napkin differs from napkin 1 in the structure of the absorbent body and the absence of an intermediate sheet, but otherwise has the same structure.
In both the absorbent body 4 and the absorbent body consisting of an absorbent core and a core wrap sheet, the absorbent body is colored green as described above, and a cooling agent is applied to the center area in the horizontal direction Y of the surface of the absorbent body. It is coated with liquid.
Each napkin is placed on a white mount with the top sheet facing upward, and the hue of the region of the napkin facing the excretory area when viewed from the top sheet side is measured using a color difference meter using the method described above. Measurements are performed before and after the simulated menstrual blood injection.
The simulated menstrual blood described in paragraph [0087] of Patent No. 5912907 was used. Although numerical values are described below as examples, the present invention is not limited to these numerical values.

(Example of hue of napkin with absorbent material using absorbent sheet)
Referring to FIG. 1, the central portion 21 and the first side colored portion are measured from the top sheet 2 side before and after menstrual blood injection of the napkin 1 equipped with the absorbent body 4 using the above-mentioned absorbent sheet. Table 1 shows the measurement results of the L ^* value, a ^* value, and b ^* value of the second colored portion 22, the second side colored portion 23, and the peripheral portion 24, respectively. An intermediate sheet 9 is placed between the absorbent body 4 and the top sheet 2 in the napkin 1, and the result shows the hue when the absorbent body 4 is viewed through the intermediate sheet 9 and the top sheet 2.

In the napkin 1 before menstrual blood injection, when viewed through the intermediate sheet 9 and the top sheet 2, the central part 21 is green with a suppressed yellow tinge, the first side colored part 22 is a greenish-yellow line, and the first side colored part 22 is a greenish-yellow line. The two side colored portions 23 are a green line with a slightly less yellow tinge, and the peripheral portion 24 is white.
As shown in Table 1, in the napkin 1 before menstrual blood injection, the central portion 21 has a slightly higher L ^* value than the first lateral colored portion 22 and the second lateral colored portion 23.
The central portion 21 has a higher a ^* value than the first side colored portions 22. The central part 21 has the same a ^* value as the second side colored part 23, and the degree of green color is almost the same.
The central part 21 has a lower b ^* value than the first lateral colored part 22 and the second lateral colored part 23, and the degree of yellowness is lower than that of the central part 21, the first lateral colored part 22, and the second lateral colored part 23. The difference in the degree of yellow from the square colored part 23 is large. Furthermore, the first lateral colored portion 22 has a higher degree of yellow than the central portion 21 and the second lateral colored portion 23.

On the other hand, in the napkin 1 after menstrual blood injection, in both the central part 21 and the first lateral colored part 22, the L ^* value of the menstrual blood adhesion area is lower than before menstrual blood injection, and menstrual blood adhesion The L ^* values of the central portion 21 and the first side colored portions 22 in the region are approximately equal. As shown in Table 1, the difference in L ^* values before and after menstrual blood injection in the central part 21 is larger than the difference in L ^* values before and after menstrual blood injection in the first lateral colored part 22.
In this way, in the napkin 1 before menstrual blood injection, by making the L ^* value of the first lateral colored part 22 lower than that of the central part 21, the napkin and the second lateral colored part 23 after menstrual blood injection are each The difference in brightness between the menstrual blood adhesion area and the non-menstrual blood adhesion area can be made smaller than the brightness difference between the menstrual blood adhesion area and the menstrual blood non-adhesion area in the central portion 21. As a result, the color of menstrual blood is more noticeable in the central portion 21 where the difference in brightness is greater than in the first side colored portions 22, and the adhesion of menstrual blood in the central portion 21 is more conspicuous.
Furthermore, as shown in Table 1, in the napkin 1 after menstrual blood injection, the b ^* value is lower in both the central part 21 and the first side colored part 22 than before the menstrual blood injection, resulting in a positive b The ^* value has changed to a negative b ^* value. As shown in Table 1, the b ^* value in the first side colored portion 22 is closer to 0 than in the central portion 21, and is a value close to an intermediate color.
In this way, by making the b ^* value of the first lateral colored part 22 higher than that of the central part 21 in the napkin 1 before menstrual blood injection, the first lateral colored part 22 in the napkin 1 after menstrual blood injection is increased. The b ^* value can be made closer to 0 than in the central part 21. As a result, the menstrual blood adhesion region of the first lateral colored portion 22 has a color close to a neutral color, and the color of menstrual blood becomes less noticeable.

In the napkin 1, the red color becomes less noticeable in the first lateral colored part 22, the menstrual blood adhering to the central part 21 is more visible, and the first lateral colored part 22 extending in the vertical direction The menstrual blood appears to be spreading in the vertical direction X, and it is visually recognized that the menstrual blood gathers in the center of the horizontal direction Y and is absorbed. In this way, the absorption performance of the napkin 1 can be visualized.

Further, as shown in Table 1, the a ^* value of the first side colored portion 22 is lower than that of the central portion 21.
As a result, in the menstrual blood adhesion area, the red color of menstrual blood is more emphasized and visually recognized in the central part 21 than in the first side colored part 22, so that it seems that menstrual blood is more concentrated in the central part 21. appear.

Further, as shown in Table 1, the pair of second side colored portions 23 located laterally outward than the pair of first side colored portions 22 have a higher a ^* value than the first side colored portions 22. is high.
As a result, when menstrual blood spreads to the second lateral colored part 23, the red color of the menstrual blood is more emphasized and visible in the second lateral colored part 23 than in the first lateral colored part 22, so that the wearer can allows you to know when it is time to replace it.

(Example of hue of napkin with absorbent core and core wrap sheet)
The central part, the first colored part on the first side, and the colored part on the second side when measuring from the top sheet side before and after injecting menstrual blood in a napkin equipped with an absorbent body consisting of the above-mentioned absorbent core and core wrap sheet. Table 2 shows the measurement results of the L ^* value, a ^* value, and b ^* value of the area and the peripheral area, respectively.

As shown in Table 2, similar to the results in Table 1, in the napkin, the red color becomes less noticeable in the first lateral colored area, the menstrual blood adhering to the central area is more visible, and further in the vertical direction It appears that menstrual blood is spreading in the vertical direction X due to the extending first lateral colored portion, and it is visually recognized that the menstrual blood is collected and absorbed in the central portion in the horizontal direction Y. In this way, it becomes possible to visualize the absorbent performance of the napkin.

Further, as shown in Table 2, the a ^* value of the first side colored portion is lower than that of the central portion.
As a result, in the menstrual blood adhesion region, the red color of the menstrual blood is more emphasized and visually recognized in the central part than in the first side colored part, so that it appears that the menstrual blood is more concentrated in the central part.

Further, as shown in Table 2, the pair of second colored lateral parts located laterally outward than the first colored lateral parts have a higher a ^* value than the first colored lateral parts.
As a result, if menstrual blood spreads to the second lateral colored area, the red color of the menstrual blood will be more emphasized and visible in the second lateral colored area than in the first lateral colored area, so the wearer will know when it is time to replace it. can be understood.

(Example of dimensions)
In the napkin 1 including the absorbent body 4 using the above-mentioned absorbent sheet, the length of the absorbent body 4 in the vertical direction X is 190 mm, and the length in the horizontal direction Y is 75 mm. The length of the central absorbent sheet 42 in the longitudinal direction X of the absorbent body 4 having a laminated structure is 90 mm, and the length in the lateral direction Y is 35 mm.
The width of the central portion 21 exhibiting a green color with a suppressed yellowish tinge is 45 mm or more and 65 mm or less.
The width of the first side colored portion 22, which is the yellow line portion, is 1 mm or more and 8 mm or less.
The width of the second side colored portion 23, which is the green line portion, is 1 mm or more and 15 mm or less.

In the napkin including the absorbent body using the above-mentioned absorbent core and core wrap sheet, the length of the absorbent body in the vertical direction X is 190 mm, and the length in the horizontal direction Y is 65 mm.
The width of the central portion exhibiting white color is 40 mm or more and 65 mm or less.
The width of the first side colored portion including the yellow line portion and the blue line portion is 1 mm or more and 8 mm or less.
The width of the green line portion is 0 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

1, 10... Napkin (absorbent article)
2... Top sheet 3... Back sheet 4... Absorber 4a... Front surface 4b... Back surface 21... Center part 22... First side colored part 25... Side part

Claims (5)

An absorbent article comprising an absorbent body having a front surface and a back surface, a top sheet disposed on the front surface side, and a back sheet disposed on the back surface side, and having a longitudinal direction and a width direction perpendicular to each other. hand,
The absorbent body has a central part in the width direction and a pair of side parts located on both sides of the central part,
The pair of lateral parts each include a first lateral colored part extending in the front-rear direction that is visible from the top sheet , and a second lateral colored part located outward in the width direction from the first lateral colored part. including;
The first side colored portion ^has a lower L* value and a higher b ^* value in the CIE-L ^* a ^* b ^* color system measured from the top sheet than the central portion ,
The second side colored portion has a higher a ^* value in the CIE-L ^* a ^* b ^* color system measured from the top sheet than the first side colored portion.
Absorbent articles. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the first side colored portion has a lower a ^* value in the CIE-L ^* a ^* b ^* color system measured from the top sheet than the central portion. further comprising a compression groove that integrates the topsheet and the absorbent body,
The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein the compressed groove and the first side colored portion overlap at least in part. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , further comprising a cooling sensation agent extending in the front-rear direction in the central region in the width direction. The absorbent body has an excretion part facing region, and a front region and a rear region located in the front and back direction with the excretion part facing region interposed therebetween,
The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the first lateral colored portion is located further outward in the width direction than the front region and the rear region in the excretion part facing region.

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