KR100639727B1 - Absorbent article with apertured surge layer - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an absorbent article with an apertured surge layer is provided to advantageously maximize absorbent properties of large quantity of body fluid within a short time, and to minimize an amount of overflow fluid to a surface sheet. The absorbent article comprises: a liquid-permeable surface sheet(12); a liquid-impermeable bottom sheet(14); an absorbent layer(18) sandwiched between the surface sheet(12) and the bottom sheet(14); and a surge layer(20) formed between the surface sheet(12) and the absorbent layer(18). The surge layer(20) is made of non-woven fabric and consists of: a base(22) formed of a first surface in contact with the surface sheet(12) and a second surface in contact with the absorbent layer(18); bumps(24) formed by compressing one of the surfaces to the other; through-holes(25) formed in apex regions of the bumps(24); and openings formed on the opposite side of the bumps in a one-to-one manner.

Description

Absorbent product with perforated surge layer {ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH APERTURED SURGE LAYER}

1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional diaper,

2 is a perspective view of a diaper according to the present invention,

Figure 3a is a perspective view showing a top surface of the surge layer according to the present invention,

Figure 3b is a perspective view showing a lower surface of the surge layer according to the present invention,

4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. 2;

5 is a sectional view showing a diaper according to another embodiment of the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

12: surface sheet

14: Back sheet

16: absorbent structure

18: absorber

20: surge layer

22: base part

23: opening

24: ridge

25: through

The present invention relates to an absorbent product, and more particularly, to a diaper, a women's sanitary napkin or a training pant having a surge layer perforated to quickly capture a large amount of liquid discharged from a user's body and to easily transfer the absorbent to the absorbent body. The same relates to absorbent products.

As shown in FIG. 1, a general absorbent article is a liquid permeable body side surface sheet 2, a liquid impermeable outer back sheet 4, and between the surface sheet 2 and the back sheet 4. It has a structure including the absorber 6 disposed in the.

Since the surface sheet 2 is in contact with the user's body, its function is to provide softness for the user to feel comfortable while wearing the product, but more importantly, the liquid discharged from the user's body is easily passed through It is advantageous to have a property of hydrophilicity and porosity, so as to move quickly to the absorbent body (6). Preferably, the surface sheet 2 is made of a nonwoven material having a relatively low density and bulky, or made of a perforated film.

The absorbent body 6 has a function of rapidly taking the liquid from the surface sheet 2 and absorbing and retaining the liquid, and is preferably made of pulp fibers mixed with pulp fibers or superabsorbent particles.

Under the absorbent body 6, a back sheet 4 made of a liquid impermeable film material is disposed in order to prevent the liquid collected in the absorbent body 6 from being discharged to the outside and staining the wearer's underwear.

One way to improve the overall liquid absorbency of such absorbent articles is to introduce one or more additional layers 8 between the surfacesheet 2 and the absorbent body 6 to adsorb the surfacesheet 2 and absorbent body adjacent to the user's skin. (6) spaced apart and provides a temporary retention or absorption function for the liquid not yet absorbed into the absorbent (6), and reduces liquid backflow or reverse wetting from the absorbent (6) to the surface sheet (2). Such an additional layer 8, commonly referred to as a surge layer, may suitably be formed of a high bulk, high loft, compressible fiber structure.

However, such a conventional surge layer 8 has the effect of making the absorption of liquid faster by increasing the void volume in the surge layer 8 due to its high bulk property, but making such a high bulk material. This requires a higher basis weight, which in turn means higher costs.

In addition, some of the conventional surge layer may be used by puncturing the film material, but the perforated film material has no property of absorbing urine or the like due to its characteristics, so urine passes through only the perforated hole, so that urine leaks. Cases can occur (urination is known to occur at a high rate of 280 cm per second in an amount of 15 to 20 ml per second). Therefore, the lack of rapid liquid absorption of the absorbent product can cause excessive pooling of the liquid on the body facing surface of the bodyside surface sheet before the liquid is absorbed by the absorbent body. These pooled liquids can moisten the skin of the user and can leak from the leg or waist openings of the absorbent product, causing discomfort, skin health problems, as well as staining the user's clothing and bedding. There is a problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent product having a surge layer perforated to quickly capture a large amount of liquid discharged from the user's body and to facilitate delivery to the absorber. To provide.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article having a perforated surge layer which can minimize the amount of liquid absorbed into the absorber back to the surface sheet by physical pressure or arbitrary positional change by the wearer.

Absorbent article having a perforated surge layer according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a liquid permeable surface sheet; A liquid impermeable backsheet; An absorbent body disposed between the surface sheet and the back sheet; A base portion positioned between the surface sheet and the absorbent body, the base portion having a first surface facing the surface sheet and a second surface facing the absorber, and pressed from one surface of the base portion to another surface; A plurality of protrusions protruding, a through hole formed at the apex of the ridge, and a plurality of openings formed on the opposite surface of the surface where the ridge is formed, corresponding to the ridge, and receiving liquid passing through the surface sheet as an absorbent body. It consists of a nonwoven fabric surge layer for release.

The liquid permeability of the surge layer is equal to the liquid permeability of the surface sheet or 40 to 60% of the liquid permeability of the surface sheet, and the basis weight is 40 to 80 gsm. In addition, the ridge is pressurized to a temperature of 120 ~ 130 ℃.

The sum of all the areas of the through holes is 10 to 40% of the total area of the surge layer, the diameter of the through holes is 0.8 to 1.2 mm, and the diameter of the openings is 1.7 to 2.3 mm.

Preferably, the surge layer is made of a spunbond-meltblown-spunbond or through air bonded carded web (TABCW) material.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a diaper is taken as an example among various absorbent products.

2 is a perspective view showing a diaper according to the present invention, Figures 3a and 3b is a perspective view showing the top and bottom of the surge layer according to the present invention, respectively, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV of FIG.

As shown therein, the diaper 10 according to the present invention is an absorbent structure disposed between the liquid permeable surface sheet 12, the liquid impermeable backsheet 14, the surface sheet 12 and the backsheet 14. (16).

An elastic member 34 is disposed adjacent the longitudinal edge 32 of the diaper 10, and a waistband 38 is disposed adjacent to one or both of the distal edges 36 of the diaper 10. The fastening means for securing the diaper 10 to the wearer may be an adhesive tape tab 40 attached to the inner or outer surface of the backsheet 14 in the back waist band region of the diaper 10.

The surface sheet 12 not only forms a non-irritating body-facing surface that is flexible and soft to the wearer's skin, but also allows the liquid discharged from the wearer's body to pass easily through it and to be quickly moved to the adjacent absorbent structure 16. As it plays a role, it is advantageous to have properties of hydrophilicity and porosity. Preferably, the surface sheet 12 is made of a relatively low density and bulky nonwoven material, and the nonwoven material is composed of one type of fiber, such as polyester or polypropylene, or a low melting point component and a high melting point component. It may be composed of a bicomponent or composite fiber having a. The fibers can be selected from a variety of natural and synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester, cotton, acrylic fibers and the like and combinations thereof. The bicomponent fiber may consist of a polyester core and a polyethylene sheath. Alternatively, the surface sheet 12 may be made of a polymer film having large pores. The film may be applied with a single layer, or multiple co-extruded films such as polyethylene or polypropylene membranes.

The backsheet 14 is formed from a thin thermoplastic film, such as a polyethylene film, which is typically liquid impermeable. The backsheet 14 functions to prevent the body waste contained in the absorbent structure 16 from wetting or staining the wearer's clothing, bedding, or other material in contact with the diaper 10. Other constructions for backsheet 14 may include fabrics or fibrous nonwoven webs constructed or treated to impart the required degree of liquid impermeability, or laminates formed from fabrics or nonwovens and thermoplastic films.

The absorbent structure 16 disposed between the surface sheet 12 and the backsheet 14 includes an absorber 18 and a surge layer 20. The absorbent body 18 is adapted to quickly take the liquid from the surface sheet 12 and hold the liquid until it can absorb and retain the liquid. As a material that can be used as the absorber 18, pulp fibers or pulp fibers mixed with superabsorbent particles are generally used. This structure may also include binder fibers for integrity intact. The absorbent body 18 is generally compressible, comfortable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and absorbs and retains body effluents.

The surge layer 20 quickly collects and temporarily retains the discharged liquid, transports that liquid from the initial point of contact and spreads the liquid to other parts of the surge layer, which in turn results in the absorber 18 being absorbed. It acts to release. Most preferably, the surge layer 20 is disposed between the surface sheet 12 and the absorber 18 to efficiently transfer liquid from the surface sheet 12 to the surge layer 20 and then to the absorber 18. In order to make intimate liquid alternating contact with the surface sheet 12 and the absorbent body 18. As the surge layer 20, various woven and nonwoven webs can be used. For example, the surge layer 20 may be an SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) nonwoven fabric. The surge layer 20 may also be an adhesive carding web or an airlaid web composed of natural and / or synthetic fibers. The adhesive carding web can be, for example, a powder adhesive carding web, an infrared adhesive carding web, or a breathable adhesive carding web (TABCW-Through Air Bonded Carded Web) nonwoven layer. Infrared and breathable adhesive carding webs may optionally include mixtures or blends of other fibers. The surge layer may be composed of a hydrophobic material, which may be optionally treated with a surfactant or processed to impart the required degree of hydrophilicity. Hereinafter, the case of having a contact angle of less than 90 degrees with a liquid, as measured by a known Cahn SFA-222 Surface Force Analyzer System for measuring the wettability of a fiber material, is defined as "hydrophilic", and the contact angle of more than 90 degrees The case of having is defined as "hydrophobic".

The surface sheet 12, the surge layer 20, the absorber 18 and the back sheet 14 are assembled into various diaper forms well known using conventional techniques known in the art. For example, the components can be attached to each other using thermal or ultrasonic bonding, adhesives such as hot melt adhesives, and the like, as well as combinations or other suitable attachment means as described above.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the surge layer 20 according to the present invention has a flat base portion 22 having a uniform thickness and a first surface facing the surface sheet 12 of the base portion 22. A plurality of ridges 24 protruding integrally from one surface of the surface and the second surface facing the absorber 18 and a plurality of through holes 25 formed at each apex of the ridge 24, respectively. It is made, including.

In detail, the ridge 24 is formed by pressing a surface of the flat base portion 22 having a uniform thickness with a heated pin, so that a portion in contact with the pin protrudes in a substantially conical shape in the direction in which the pin is pressed. The through hole 25 is formed by the tip of the pin. As a result, each ridge 24 is in the shape of a truncated cone.

In order to uniformize the size and arrangement of the plurality of ridges 24 and to improve productivity, a pin roll (not shown) and a plurality of pins are preferably disposed evenly distributed on the outer circumferential surface thereof. A support roll (not shown) is used which is provided toward and through which the surge layer material passes. The outer circumferential surface of the support roll is provided with a plurality of insertion holes into which the pin can be inserted corresponding to the pin of the pin roll.

That is, when a surge layer material, for example, a nonwoven fabric is passed between the pin roll and the support roll which rotates against each other, a part of the pin of the pin roll heated to a predetermined temperature and a portion of the nonwoven fabric contacting the pin are inserted into the insertion hole of the support roll corresponding to the pin. While being inserted together, the nonwoven fabric is pushed in one direction to form a three-dimensional bend, that is, the ridge 24, and at the same time, the through hole 25 is formed at the apex of the ridge 24. The size of the through hole 25 is to control the size of the pin of the pin roll, in this embodiment the diameter of the opening 23 (see Fig. 3b) formed on the plane of the base portion 22 is pressed by the pin of the pin roll Is set to 1.7 to 2.3 mm (preferably 2 mm), and the diameter of the through hole 25 is 0.8 to 1.2 mm (preferably 1 mm), but is not limited thereto. In addition, it is preferable that the value which added the area of all the through-holes 25 shall be 10 to 40% of the original area value of a surge layer material. In the method of forming the through hole 25 in the surge layer 20, in addition to the punching method by heated fins, a physical punching method by a punch may also be used, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the surge layer 20 according to the present invention is not particularly limited in basis weight, 40 ~ 80gsm (preferably, 50gsm) range is appropriate.

As described above, when the through hole 25 is formed in the surge layer 20 by using a fin heated to a predetermined temperature (preferably, 120 to 130 ° C.), a portion pressed by the pin is pushed in the pressing direction. While the two-dimensional plane of the surge layer 20 is deformed into a three-dimensional bent structure, it is possible to improve the bulk compared to the original basis weight of the material of the surge layer 20, the surface sheet through the through (25) 12, the liquid transfer speed to the absorber 18 is faster. In addition, the three-dimensional flexure structure composed of heat-punched perforations is not easily deformed even under constant pressure, so that it retains its unique shape, thickness or high bulk for a long time in spite of pressure and arbitrary positional change by the wearer. It has the characteristic to keep the maximum.

In particular, when forming a ridge and a hole using a hydrophilic (same as the liquid permeability of the surface sheet) SMS material as the surge layer, MB composed of very fine short fibers existing between the SB (spunbond) layer and the SB layer Since the melt blown layer has a good spreading property and the stiffness of the SMS material itself, the bending structure of the three-dimensional ridge formed when the through hole is formed by applying a heated pin is B. It has a characteristic that it can be kept in diaper for a long time and high bulk property can be maintained.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the surge layer 20 according to the present invention is disposed between the absorber 18 and the surface sheet 12, the ridges 24 of the surge layer 20 form the surface sheet 12. ). As such, when the ridge 24 is disposed to face the surface sheet 12 side, a void volume is formed on the surface sheet 12 side, so that the liquid absorption speed is improved, and the ridge 24 has an absorber ( 18) has the advantage of maintaining a high bulk by maintaining the original shape without being pressed, and also prevents the dampness coming up from the absorber 18 by sufficiently spaced apart the gap between the surface sheet 12 and the absorber 18. You can do it. As shown in FIG. 5, when the surge layer 20 is disposed between the absorber 18 and the surface sheet 12, the ridges 24 of the surge layer 20 face the absorber 18. You may.

In particular, in the case of using SMS as the material of the surge layer 20, the liquid absorbing action that is commonly seen in the MB layer, which is the intermediate layer, and the capillary effect is large, and thus remain in the surface sheet 12. It is possible to keep the surface sheet 12 in a smooth state by moving the liquid into the surge layer 20 without remaining in the surface sheet 12.

The following table shows the test results for the liquid absorption rate and rewet (wetting property from the absorber to the surface sheet) of the diaper formed by replacing only the surge layer with all components except the surge layer.

CODE 1 CODE 2 CODE 3 CODE 4 CODE 5 CODE 6 CODE 7 Primary Absorption (sec) 30.35 45.29 31.92 40.56 32.33 25.61 21.48 Secondary Absorption (sec) 40.47 63.46 45.86 61.17 42.83 36.18 27.36 Tertiary absorption (sec) 43.85 118.96 73.79 68.99 46.83 38.74 31.25 rewet (g) 19.33 19.23 19.18 18.79 18.65 18.09 17.82

Code 1: TABCW material surge layer (80 gsm, no aperturing)

Code 2: Hydrophobic SMS material surge layer (60 gsm, ridges facing the absorber)

Code 3: hydrophobic SMS material surge layer (60 gsm, ridge facing surface sheet)

Code 4: Hydrophilic SMS material surge layer (60 gsm, ridges facing the absorber)

Code 5: hydrophilic SMS material surge layer (60 gsm, ridges facing the surface sheet)

Code 6: Hydrophilic TABCW material surge layer (80 gsm, ridges placed towards absorber)

Code 7: hydrophilic TABCW material surge layer (80 gsm with ridges facing surface sheet)

As can be seen from Table 1, when drilling through the same surge layer material, it can be seen that the absorption rate increases by 15 to 5% and the rewet value decreases. It can be seen that it is arranged to face side has better performance.

In general, hydrophilic materials may exhibit good properties in terms of absorption rate, while hydrophobic materials may have a lower instantaneous absorption rate but may be better in terms of rewet.

The result of measuring the amount of water evaporated from the surface sheet by varying hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity to the surge layer material having the same aperturing structure is as follows.

Water evaporation rate (g / s / m ² ) Hydrophobic SMS Materials (60gsm) 45.93 Hydrophilic SMS Materials (60gsm) 50.41

In the surge layer material having the same perforated structure from Table 2, the hydrophobic material has less water evaporating from the surface sheet, which means that the hydrophobic material prevents the moisture that makes the skin feel moist. To show. Thus, the smoothness of the skin can be raised by appropriately adjusting the degree of hydrophilicity of the surge layer material. In view of this, if the hydrophilicity is slightly lower than the usual hydrophilic material (approximately 40 to 60% of the liquid permeability of the surface sheet), the liquid absorption rate of the material itself may be slightly lowered, but the decrease in the absorption rate may be reduced. Can be compensated for.

As a specific embodiment of the present invention, a diaper has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and personal hygiene absorbent products such as sanitary napkins or incontinence pads without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Anyone with ordinary knowledge in the field may make various modifications.

As described in detail above, in the absorbent article having a perforated surge layer according to the present invention, a two-dimensional plane of the surge layer has a three-dimensional bent structure having a plurality of holes using a pin heated to a predetermined temperature. By being deformed, it is possible to improve the bulk compared to the original basis weight of the surge layer material, and to quickly capture a large amount of liquid discharged from the user's body through the through hole and to facilitate the delivery to the absorber.

In addition, the three-dimensional curved structure of the surge layer is not easily deformed even under constant pressure, so that despite its pressure and arbitrary positional variation by the wearer, it can maintain its inherent shape, thickness or high bulk for a long time, thereby maintaining the absorption effect to the maximum. It works.

In particular, when the surge layer is disposed so that the ridges face the surface sheet side, a void volume is formed on the surface sheet side to improve the liquid absorption speed, and the ridges are kept in their original shape without being pressed by the absorber, thereby providing high bulk. It has the advantage of maintaining the castle, and also has the effect of preventing the dampness coming from the absorber by sufficiently spaced apart the gap between the surface sheet and the absorbent body.

Claims (10)

A liquid permeable surface sheet; A liquid impermeable backsheet; An absorbent body disposed between the surface sheet and the back sheet; A base portion disposed between the surface sheet and the absorbent body, the base portion having a first surface facing the surface sheet and a second surface facing the absorber, and at any one of the first surface and the second surface of the base portion A plurality of ridges pressed against the other surface to protrude, a through hole formed at a vertex of the ridge, and a plurality of openings formed corresponding to the ridge on an opposite surface of the surface on which the ridge is formed, the surface An absorbent article having a perforated surge layer, characterized in that it consists of a nonwoven fabric surge layer for receiving and discharging liquid through the sheet to the absorber. A liquid permeable surface sheet; A liquid impermeable backsheet; An absorbent body disposed between the surface sheet and the back sheet; A base portion positioned between the surface sheet and the absorbent body, the base portion having a first surface facing the surface sheet and a second surface facing the absorbent body, and pressed from the second surface of the base portion to the first surface to be pressed against the surface sheet. A plurality of ridges protruding to the side, a through hole formed at a vertex of the ridge, and a plurality of openings formed on the second surface corresponding to the ridge, and receiving liquid passing through the surface sheet. An absorbent article having a perforated surge layer, characterized in that it consists of a nonwoven fabric surge layer for release to an absorber. 3. An absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid permeability of said surge layer is the same as the liquid permeability of said surface sheet. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid permeability of said surge layer is 40 to 60% of the liquid permeability of said surface sheet. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the basis weight of the surge layer is between 40 and 80 gsm. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the ridge is pressurized to a temperature of 120 ° C. to 130 ° C. 4. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein the sum of all areas of the through hole is 10 to 40% of the total area of the surge layer. 8. The absorbent article of claim 7, wherein the aperture has a diameter of 0.8-1.2 mm and the aperture has a diameter of 1.7-2.3 mm. 3. An absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein said surge layer is made of a spunbond-meltblown-spunbond material. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein said surge layer is made of a through air bonded carded web (TABCW) material.

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