KR102433718B1 - absorbent article - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that is less prone to twisting even when wet and is excellent in wearing comfort.
The present invention provides an absorbent article comprising an absorbent layer having a liquid absorption property and having a longitudinal direction, a width direction and a thickness direction orthogonal to each other, wherein the absorbent layer protrudes toward the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent article in the thickness direction, Further, a convex portion 21 continuously extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, and recessed toward the non-skin-facing surface side of the absorbent article in the thickness direction, and continuously extending in parallel with the convex portion 21 Concave portions 22 are provided with concave-convex structures 20 alternately arranged along the longitudinal direction, and the convex portions 21 are cavities ( 23), which is an absorbent article.

Description

absorbent article

The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as panty liners, light incontinence pads, and sanitary pads.

Conventionally, in absorbent articles such as panty liners, incontinence pads, and sanitary pads, the ability to quickly absorb liquid excretion such as urine and menstrual blood and hold it so as not to leak to the outside is required, and further In recent years, in addition to such a capability, it is required to be excellent in flexibility and fit to the wearer's body.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article having a groove having a specific structure in which the topsheet and the absorber are integrally recessed. According to the absorbent article disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to quickly absorb and diffuse excretion, thereby eliminating discomfort caused by wetting of the wearer, and in spite of having a leak-proof groove, it provides adequate flexibility. It is said that excellent fitting characteristics are obtained. Moreover, in patent document 2, the absorbent article which provided the some concave embossing at the specific position of the absorber is disclosed. According to the absorbent article disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is said that it is possible to fit the curve of the body without discomfort and to reduce the leakage of body fluid.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-245130 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-73449

Although the absorbent article disclosed in Patent Document 1 is said to be excellent in flexibility, etc., the strength (wet strength) of the absorbent body is low when the absorbent body is wet because the grooves of the above-described specific structure are formed in the absorbent body. When the absorbent absorbs liquid excretion such as urine or menstrual blood, the absorbent article is easily crushed in the width direction by the force (crotch tightening force) (F _W ) applied in the width direction of the absorbent article from both legs of the wearer, as a result, the absorbent article There was a fear that distortion as shown in FIG. 3 would occur due to distortion in this width direction.

On the other hand, in the absorbent article disclosed in Patent Document 2, since a plurality of concave embossing is provided on the absorbent body, the wet strength of the absorbent body is high, and even if liquid excretion is absorbed, the distortion as described above is difficult to occur. Since the hardness of the concave-shaped embossing itself is hard, there is a fear that the feeling of wear on the surface to which the concave-shaped embossing is exposed is lowered or that the wearer senses a sense of incongruity.

As described above, in the conventional absorbent article, it was difficult to make it difficult to twist (particularly, it is difficult to twist when wet) and a good fit.

Then, an object of this invention is to provide the absorbent article which distortion is hard to generate|occur|produce even when wet, and is excellent in wearing comfort.

One aspect (Aspect 1) of the present invention is an absorbent article comprising an absorbent layer having a liquid absorption property and having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction orthogonal to each other, wherein the absorbent layer is the absorbent article in the thickness direction. a convex portion protruding toward the skin-facing surface side and continuously extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction; The concave portions extending continuously have a concave-convex structure alternately arranged along the longitudinal direction, and the convex portions have a cavity portion that faces the surface of the absorbent layer on the non-skin-facing surface side. It is an absorbent article.

The absorbent article of this aspect 1 has the above-mentioned specific uneven structure in which the absorbent layer extends in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article (that is, the uneven structure in which the cross-sectional shape of the absorbent article along the longitudinal direction is corrugated). Accordingly, the compressive strength in the direction in which the concave-convex structure extends (that is, the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article) is high, and the force applied from both legs of the wearer is applied to the convex and concave portions in the above-described concave-convex structure. Since the absorbent article of the present embodiment can be dispersed in the thickness direction by means of a method, the absorbent article of the present embodiment can maintain a constant strength (particularly, the compressive strength in the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article) even when wet, making it difficult to twist.

In addition, since the above-described uneven structure can impart appropriate flexibility (specifically, ease of bending in the longitudinal direction, cushioning property in the thickness direction, etc.) and good feel to the absorbent layer, the absorbent article of this embodiment has such With moderate flexibility and good feel, it is possible to provide the wearer with an excellent fit.

Therefore, the absorbent article of this aspect can implement|achieve coexistence of the difficulty in twisting (in particular, the difficulty in twisting at the time of wet) which was difficult with the conventional absorbent article, and a favorable fit.

Moreover, in the other aspect (mode 2) of this invention, in the absorbent article of the said aspect 1, the direction which intersects the said longitudinal direction is the width direction of an absorbent article.

In the absorbent article of this aspect 2, among the directions intersecting the above-mentioned longitudinal direction, the above-mentioned uneven structure extends with respect to the width direction of the absorbent article to which the force transmitted from both legs of the wearer is applied most strongly, so this aspect of the absorbent article, the above-mentioned torsion is less likely to occur.

Further, in another aspect (Aspect 3) of the present invention, in the absorbent article of Aspect 1 or 2, at least one of the skin-facing surface side and the non-skin-facing surface side of the absorbent layer in the thickness direction of the absorbent article, the absorbent layer A low absorption layer having a lower liquid absorption property is provided, and the absorption layer and the low absorption layer are bonded to each other.

In general, a layer having liquid absorption has a tendency to decrease in strength (that is, a tendency to have low wet strength) when liquid excretion such as urine excreted from the wearer is absorbed due to the liquid absorption property, but the absorbency of this embodiment In the thickness direction, at least one of the skin-facing surface side and the non-skin-facing surface side of the absorbent layer, which tends to decrease in strength when wet, in the thickness direction, has a lower liquid absorption than the absorbent layer (that is, when wet Since the low-absorbent layer has a relatively high strength), the strength (particularly wet strength) of the absorbent layer is reinforced, and it is easy to maintain a certain strength or more even when wet, and the above-mentioned distortion is more difficult to occur. .

In another aspect (Aspect 4) of the present invention, in the absorbent article of Aspect 3, the low-absorption layer is a layer having a thickness greater than that of the absorbent layer.

In the absorbent article of this aspect 4, since the thickness of the above-mentioned low absorption layer is larger than that of the absorption layer, even in the low absorption layer, the force applied from both legs of the wearer can be dispersed in the thickness direction. Therefore, the absorbent article of this aspect has: It is made more difficult to twist with respect to the direction intersecting the said longitudinal direction.

In addition, as described above, since the low-absorbent layer is a layer having a relatively high strength when wet, the above-mentioned distortion is more difficult to occur particularly when the absorbent article is wet.

Further, in another aspect (Aspect 5) of the present invention, in the absorbent article of Aspect 3 or 4, the low-absorbent layer includes heat-sealable fibers and has a plurality of fusion portions in which the heat-sealable fibers are fused to each other. , the absorbent layer does not contain heat-sealable fibers, or the content of heat-sealable fibers is lower than that of the low-absorbent layer.

The absorbent article of this aspect 5 has high rigidity because the low absorption layer contains heat-sealable fibers and has a plurality of fusion portions in which the heat-sealable fibers are fused to each other, and has high compressive strength in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction (especially , compressive strength when wet) is high, the absorbent layer does not contain heat-sealable fibers, or even contains heat-sealable fibers in a smaller content (mass ratio) than the low-absorbent layer. Since the fused portion of is not present in the absorbent layer or is smaller than the fused portion in the low absorption layer, the absorbent article of the present embodiment is made more difficult to twist (particularly, more difficult to be twisted when wet) by the above-described low absorption layer. , the above-mentioned absorbent layer makes it easier to further ensure adequate flexibility and good tactile feel.

Therefore, the absorbent article of this aspect can implement|achieve more reliably coexistence of the above-mentioned difficulty in twisting (particularly, difficulty in twisting at the time of wet) and favorable wearing comfort.

Further, in another aspect (Aspect 6) of the present invention, in the absorbent article of any of Aspects 3 to 5, the low-absorbent layer is constituted of an air-through nonwoven fabric, and the air-through nonwoven fabric is an absorbent article. In the thickness direction, it is arrange|positioned on the said non-skin-facing surface side of an absorption layer.

In the absorbent article according to the sixth aspect, the low-absorbent layer described above is composed of an air-through nonwoven fabric which is particularly easy to maintain wet strength, and the air-through nonwoven fabric has the above ratio of the absorbent layer in the thickness direction of the absorbent article. Since it is disposed on the skin-facing surface side, liquid excretion such as urine can be quickly absorbed into the absorbent layer, and the absorbent layer is reinforced by the above-described air-through nonwoven fabric, so that the wet strength of the absorbent article can be more reliably maintained, As a result, the above-mentioned distortion (in particular, the distortion at the time of wet) can be prevented more reliably.

Moreover, in another aspect (Aspect 7) of this invention, in the said absorbent article of aspect 1 or 2, the said absorbent article does not contain the layer which has liquid absorption other than the above-mentioned absorbent layer.

Since the absorbent article according to the seventh aspect does not contain, other than the above-described absorbent layer, a layer having a liquid absorption property which tends to decrease the strength when wet, it is easy to maintain the wet strength as an absorbent article.

Therefore, the absorbent article of this aspect can implement|achieve more reliably coexistence of the difficulty in twisting especially at the time of wet, and a favorable fit.

Further, in another aspect (Aspect 8) of the present invention, in the absorbent article of any of Aspects 1 to 7, the absorbent layer is a topsheet.

In the absorbent article according to the eighth aspect, since the absorbent layer is the topsheet, liquid excretion such as urine excreted from the wearer can be quickly absorbed and held by the topsheet having liquid absorption property, and the absorbent body having liquid absorption properties Since it is not necessary to separately provide (or even if an absorber is separately provided, a thin absorbent body is sufficient), the overall thickness of the absorbent article can be reduced, and further superior flexibility and wearing comfort can be obtained.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, coexistence of the difficulty in twisting (in particular, the difficulty in twisting at the time of wet) which was difficult with the conventional absorbent article, and a favorable fit can be implement|achieved.

1 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a panty liner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in Fig. 1 of the panty liner 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is a plan view schematically showing a state in which the conventional panty liner 1' is twisted in the width direction by the wearer's crotch tightening force F _W .

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, preferred embodiment of the absorbent article of this invention is demonstrated in detail, referring drawings. In addition, in this specification, unless otherwise stated, "an object (for example, absorbent article, absorbent body, etc.) placed on a horizontal surface in an unfolded state is placed vertically upward (when the object is an absorbent article, on the top sheet side) ), looking in the thickness direction of the object is simply called "planar view".

In addition, unless otherwise indicated about the various directions etc. used in this specification, it is as follows.

In this specification, the "width direction" refers to "the direction in which the length of a vertically long object in plan view is short (shorter direction)", and "longitudinal direction" refers to "the length of a vertically long object in plan view". The lengthwise direction”, and the “thickness direction” refers to the “direction perpendicular to the object placed on the horizontal plane in the expanded state”, and the width direction, the length direction, and the thickness direction are in a mutually orthogonal relationship, respectively.

In the present specification, unless otherwise specified, in the thickness direction of the absorbent article, "at the time of wearing the absorbent article, relatively proximal to the wearer's skin surface" is referred to as "the skin-facing surface side", and "the side of the absorbent article" At the time of wearing, the relatively distal side with respect to the wearer's skin surface is referred to as a "non-skin-facing surface side".

FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a panty liner 1 (absorbent article) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the panty liner 1 taken along the line II-II in FIG. 1 . . 3 is a plan view schematically showing a state in which the conventional panty liner 1' is twisted in the width direction by the wearer's crotch tightening force F _W .

The panty liner 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has an outer shape elongated in the longitudinal direction L in plan view, and the outer periphery of the substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction L is the width. It has a longitudinally elongated shape of an approximately elliptical shape slightly constricted in the direction W. Moreover, in this invention, the external shape of an absorbent article is not specifically limited, As long as the length dimension in the longitudinal direction L is longer than the width dimension in the width direction W, it is a thing of a vertically long shape, depending on various uses etc., it is arbitrary. A shape (for example, a rectangle, an ellipse, a gourd shape, etc.) can be adopted.

1 and 2 , the panty liner 1 according to the present embodiment is located on the wearer's skin-facing surface side in the thickness direction T, and is absorbent and provided with a specific concave-convex structure 20 . A topsheet (2) made of a sheet, a backsheet (3) made of a liquid-impermeable sheet positioned on the non-skin-facing side of the wearer, and a low-absorbency sheet (4) positioned between these sheets and having relatively low absorbency wherein the skin-facing surface side surface (2a) of the topsheet (2) forms the skin-facing surface side surface (a) of the panty liner (1), and the non-skin-facing surface of the backsheet (3) is provided. The surface-side surface forms the non-skin-facing surface-side surface b of the panty liner 1 .

In addition, in the present embodiment, between the top sheet 2 and the low-absorbency sheet 4 and between the low-absorbency sheet 4 and the back sheet 3, as shown in FIG. It is joined through the _1st contact bonding layer (A1) and _2nd contact bonding layer (A2) by a mold adhesive.

Further, as shown in Fig. 2, on the surface of the back sheet 3 on the non-skin-facing surface side, a plurality of pressure-sensitive adhesive layers 6 continuously extending in the width direction W are arranged along the longitudinal direction L. A release sheet for protecting the adhesive portion for fixing clothing before use, provided with an adhesive portion for fixing the clothing (so-called stripe shape) arranged in such a way as to protect the adhesive portion for fixing the clothing before use ( 5) is placed. The pressure-sensitive adhesive for forming the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is not particularly limited as long as the absorbent article can be fixed to the wearer's clothing (eg, underwear, etc.), for example, any pressure-sensitive adhesive containing a styrenic polymer or the like Available. Moreover, the arrangement pattern of the adhesive layer in the adhesive part for fixing of clothes is not specifically limited, The adhesive layer may extend intermittently in the width direction W, and may extend in the longitudinal direction L. .

In addition, when the panty liner 1 is worn, the above-mentioned release sheet 5 is peeled off, and the panty liner 1 is placed on the surface of the back sheet 3 on the non-skin-facing surface side. It is fixed to the inner surface of the wearer's clothes (for example, underwear) by this, and is worn with the topsheet 2 facing the wearer's skin surface. Then, when liquid excrement such as urine is discharged from the wearer, the liquid excretion is supplied to the skin-facing surface of the topsheet 2 of the panty liner 1, and is absorbed and held by the topsheet 2, but , when the amount of liquid excretion is large, some of the liquid excrement penetrates the topsheet 2 and is held between the topsheet 2 and the low-absorbency sheet 4 made of a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric or the like.

In addition, in the panty liner 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 , the topsheet 2 made of the above-described absorbent sheet has a thickness direction T of the panty liner 1 . This is an example of the "direction intersecting the longitudinal direction" in the width direction W of the panty liner 1 that protrudes in the direction Da toward the skin-facing surface side of the panty liner 1 in the present invention. . Concave portions 22 that extend continuously are provided with specific concave-convex structures 20 alternately arranged along the longitudinal direction L. As shown in FIG. Moreover, the convex part 21 in the said uneven structure 20 has the cavity part 23 which the surface 2b of the said non-skin-facing surface side of the topsheet 2 faces.

In the panty liner 1 according to the present embodiment, the specific uneven structure 20 (ie, FIG. 2 ) in which the top sheet 2 made of an absorbent sheet extends in the width direction W of the panty liner 1 (ie, FIG. 2 ). As shown in , by providing the uneven structure 20) in which the cross-sectional shape along the longitudinal direction L of the panty liner 1 is wavy, the direction in which the uneven structure 20 extends (that is, the panty The compressive strength of the liner 1 in the width direction W) is high, and the force applied from the both legs of the wearer is reduced by the convex portions 21 and the concave portions 22 in the above-described uneven structure 20 . Since it can be dispersed in the direction T, the panty liner 1 according to the present embodiment has a constant strength (especially, the panty liner (especially the panty liner) 1), the compressive strength in the width direction W) can be maintained, and the distortion as described above is less likely to occur.

In addition, the above-mentioned specific concave-convex structure 20 has suitable flexibility (specifically, ease of bending in the longitudinal direction L, cushioning property in the thickness direction T, etc.) and good tactile properties with respect to the topsheet 2 . Since it can be provided, the panty liner 1 according to the present embodiment can provide the wearer with a good feeling of wearing due to such moderate flexibility and good tactile feel.

Hereinafter, the various members which comprise the absorbent article of this invention are demonstrated in more detail.

[Surface sheet]

In the panty liner 1 according to the present embodiment, the topsheet 2 can directly contact the wearer's skin surface in the thickness direction of the panty liner 1 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . The surface 2a disposed at a position on the skin-facing surface side in (T) and forming the skin-facing surface surface a of the panty liner 1, and the surface opposite to the surface 2a It is constituted by an absorbent sheet having a surface 2b on the non-skin-facing side, and having constant water absorption and liquid holding properties. Such a topsheet 2 is an example of the "absorbent layer having liquid absorption" in the absorbent article of the present invention.

Here, in the present specification, "liquid absorbency" means a property that has both absorbency for absorbing liquid such as liquid excrement and liquid holding property for holding the absorbed liquid, for example, conventional absorbent articles. It is a property different from the property (so-called liquid permeability) which allows most of the supplied liquid to permeate without holding (specifically, the permeation amount is greater than the holding amount of the liquid), as in the topsheet in the present invention.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the topsheet 2 has a longitudinally elongated planar view shape in a direction along the longitudinal direction L of the panty liner 1 in plan view, but the absorbent article of the present invention In this case, it is not limited to such a form, The thing of any planar view shape and size can be employ|adopted for the topsheet (absorbent layer).

The absorbent sheet constituting the topsheet 2 is not particularly limited as long as it is a sheet having liquid absorption properties, and examples thereof include fiber sheets such as nonwoven fabrics, woven fabrics, and knitted fabrics formed of absorbent fibers; Any water absorbent sheet, such as a resin sheet formed of water absorbent resin, can be used. Among them, it is preferable to use a nonwoven fabric made of absorbent fibers from the viewpoints of liquid absorption, flexibility, and feel.

The type of nonwoven fabric used for the topsheet is not particularly limited, and for example, spunlace nonwoven fabric, air through nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, point bond nonwoven fabric, melt blown nonwoven fabric, and combinations thereof (e.g., SMS nonwoven fabric) etc.), etc. arbitrary nonwoven fabrics can be used. Among them, it is preferable to use a spunlace nonwoven fabric from the viewpoint of excellent flexibility and the like.

Moreover, it is preferable to use a hydrophilic fiber from points, such as liquid absorption property and liquid holding property, and as such a hydrophilic fiber, For example, Cellulose fibers, such as cotton and ground pulp; regenerated cellulose fibers such as rayon and fibril rayon; Semisynthetic cellulose fibers such as acetate and triacetate; A thermoplastic resin fiber, a composite fiber, etc. which performed the hydrophilization process are mentioned. Among these, it is preferable to use cellulose fibers, such as cellulose fibers, regenerated cellulose fibers, and semisynthetic cellulose fibers, from the viewpoint of excellent liquid absorption, liquid holding properties, flexibility, and touch, and in particular, cotton, rayon, or a combination thereof. It is preferable to use mixed fibers.

In addition, when the absorbent article is separately provided with an absorbent body capable of absorbing and holding liquid excretion such as urine, or when it is assumed that the target amount of liquid excretion is small, the nonwoven fabric used for the topsheet, In addition to the above-mentioned hydrophilic fibers, polyolefin-based fibers such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP); polyester fibers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET); Although hydrophobic thermoplastic resin fibers, such as heat-sealable fibers, may be included, it is preferable to contain hydrophilic fibers in a mass ratio of 50 mass % or more from the point of ensuring fixed or more water absorption performance.

As described above, the nonwoven fabric used for the topsheet may contain, in addition to the hydrophilic fibers, heat-sealable fibers to improve sheet strength, etc., in particular, a low-absorbent sheet (low-absorptive layer) described later has heat-sealing properties. In the case of containing fibers, the nonwoven fabric used for the topsheet does not contain heat-sealable fibers, or contains less heat-sealable fibers (mass ratio) than the content (mass ratio) of heat-sealable fibers in the low-absorbency sheet. ratio) is preferable. If the nonwoven fabric used for the topsheet does not contain heat-sealable fibers, or even contains heat-sealable fibers in an amount smaller than the content of heat-sealable fibers of the low-absorbency sheet, it is formed by fusion of heat-sealable fibers. The bonding portions (fusion portions) do not exist in the nonwoven fabric constituting the topsheet, or exist in a smaller number than the number of bonding portions (fusion portions) in the low-absorbency low-absorbency sheet constituting the low-absorbency sheet. Therefore, the rigidity of the topsheet becomes lower than that of the low-absorbent sheet, and it becomes easy to ensure the appropriate flexibility and good tactile feeling of the topsheet.

Therefore, the absorbent article provided with such a topsheet and a low-absorbency sheet is difficult to twist (in particular, difficult to twist when wet) by the low-absorbency sheet (low-absorptive layer) with low liquid absorption as described above. , it is easy to ensure adequate flexibility and good tactile sensation by the above-mentioned absorbent layer.

The basis weight of the topsheet (absorbent layer) is not particularly limited as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired, and any basis weight may be adopted in consideration of water absorption, liquid holding properties, twisting difficulty, flexibility, and the like. As such a basis weight, the basis weight in the range of ¹⁰ g/m2 - 100 g/m2 is mentioned, for example, Preferably it exists in the range ^{of 20} g/m2 ^- 50 g/m2. In addition, the basis weight can be measured according to 5.2 of JIS L 1906.

The thickness of the topsheet (absorbent layer) is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the effects of the present invention. For example, a thickness within the range of 0.001 mm to 5.0 mm can be adopted. From the viewpoints of difficulty in error, flexibility and feel, it is preferably in the range of 0.01 mm to 3.0 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm.

Here, the thickness of the topsheet and the low-absorbency sheet described later can be measured according to the following <Method for Measuring Thickness of Various Sheets>. In addition, the thickness of various sheets (for example, back sheet etc.) other than a top sheet and a low water absorption sheet can be measured similarly.

<Method for measuring the thickness of various sheets>

(1) A sample sheet of a predetermined size (for example, 100 mm x 100 mm) is cut out from the sheet to be measured.

(2) The cut sample sheet is set in an automated compression testing machine "KES FB-3A" manufactured by Kato Tech Co., Ltd., and the thickness (mm) when the pressure to the sample sheet by the measuring terminal of the testing machine is 49 Pa is measured and let this measured thickness (mm) be the thickness of the sample sheet.

Further, in the present embodiment, the topsheet 2 is directed toward the skin-facing surface side of the panty liner 1 in the thickness direction T of the panty liner 1 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . A convex portion 21 protruding in the direction Da and continuously extending in the width direction W of the panty liner 1, and facing the non-skin-facing surface side of the panty liner 1 in the thickness direction T A specific concave-convex structure 20 in which concave portions 22 recessed in the direction Db and continuously extending parallel to the convex portions 21 are alternately arranged along the longitudinal direction L of the panty liner 1 . ), and the convex portion 21 has a cavity 23 that faces the surface 2b on the non-skin-facing surface side of the topsheet 2 .

As shown in Fig. 3, in the conventional panty liner 1' (absorbent article), the wet strength of the absorbent body having liquid absorption property is low. The absorbent body tends to be crushed in the width direction W by the force (crotch tightening force) F _W applied in the width direction W of (1'), and as a result, the panty liner 1' is moved in the width direction ( W), there was a risk of being crushed and twisted. On the other hand, in the panty liner 1 according to the present embodiment, the topsheet 2 as an absorbent layer is provided with the specific uneven structure 20 extending in the width direction W of the panty liner 1 . As a result, the compressive strength in the direction in which the concave-convex structure 20 extends (that is, in the width direction W) is high, and the force applied from both legs of the wearer is applied to the convex portion 21 in the concave-convex structure 20 described above. ) and the concave portion 22 to be dispersed in the thickness direction (T), it is possible to maintain a constant strength (especially the compressive strength in the width direction (W)) not only when drying but also when wet, so that torsion is reduced difficult to occur. In addition, the specific concave-convex structure 20 imparts moderate flexibility (specifically, ease of bending in the longitudinal direction (L), cushioning properties in the thickness direction (T), etc.) and good tactile properties to the topsheet 2 Therefore, the panty liner 1 according to the present embodiment can provide the wearer with a more excellent wearing comfort due to such moderate flexibility and good tactile feel.

In the present embodiment, in the concave-convex structure 20 described above, the convex portion 21 and the concave portion 22 extend in the width direction W of the panty liner 1, but in the present invention, the concave-convex structure The extending direction of the convex part and the recessed part is not limited to the "width direction" in the above-mentioned embodiment, as long as it is the "direction crossing the longitudinal direction" of the absorbent article.

In addition, in this specification, the "direction which cross|intersects the longitudinal direction" of an absorbent article means the direction in which the angle formed with the longitudinal direction of an absorbent article becomes in the range of 45 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less.

The absorbent article of the present invention has a specific concave-convex structure in which the absorbent layer extends in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, so that the compressive strength in the extending direction of the concave-convex structure is high, Since the holding force can be dispersed in the thickness direction by the convex portions and concave portions in the above-described uneven structure, constant strength (especially the compressive strength in the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article) can be maintained even when wet. There is, it becomes difficult to generate|occur|produce distortion.

In particular, in the above-described embodiment, among the "directions intersecting the longitudinal direction" of the panty liner 1 (absorbent article), the "width direction" in which the force transmitted from both legs of the wearer is applied the strongest is described above. Since the concave-convex structure 20 is extended, in the panty liner 1 according to the present embodiment, the distortion described above is less likely to occur.

Moreover, in this invention, it does not restrict|limit in particular also about the pitch (that is, the space|interval (mm) between the top and bottom centers of two adjacent convex parts) of the convex part in an uneven structure, For example, 0.5 mm - Although the pitch within the range of 5.0 mm can be employ|adopted, From viewpoints, such as cushioning property and a feel, Preferably it exists in the range of 1.0 mm - 4.0 mm. In addition, the pitch of this convex part can be measured as the space|interval (mm) between the top centers of two adjacent convex parts based on the planar photograph or plane image of the topsheet in a non-pressurized state.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the topsheet 2 in this embodiment has the low water absorption sheet 4 in the surface 2b of the non-skin-facing surface side of the recessed part 22 of the uneven structure 20. ) is connected with Since this low-absorbency sheet 4 is not an essential component in the absorbent article of the present invention as will be described later, when the absorbent article does not have such a low-absorbency sheet, the topsheet has the unevenness. On the surface of the recessed portion of the structure on the non-skin-facing surface side, it may be joined to an absorbent body or a back sheet (when no absorber is also provided).

The means for bonding the top sheet and these constituent members (i.e., low water absorption sheet, absorber or back sheet) is not particularly limited. can be hired

The method for forming the above-mentioned specific concave-convex structure on the surface sheet is not particularly limited, and for example, any shaping method such as a method using gear stretching and a method using vacuum forming or press forming is adopted. can do.

Moreover, in this embodiment, as mentioned above, the topsheet 2 is comprised as an absorption layer which has liquid absorption. In this way, when the topsheet is configured as an absorbent layer having liquid absorption, liquid excrement such as urine excreted from the wearer can be quickly absorbed and held by the topsheet having liquid absorption, and an absorbent material is provided separately in the absorbent article. Since there is no need (or a thin absorbent body is sufficient even if an absorber is provided separately), the absorbent article can be made thin as a whole, and further outstanding flexibility and wearing comfort can be acquired.

In addition, layers with excellent liquid absorption properties, such as absorbents, generally tend to decrease in strength when wet and cause the absorbent article to be easily twisted. , By configuring the absorbent article so as not to include a layer excellent in liquid absorption such as such an absorber, the wet strength of the absorbent article is less likely to decrease (that is, the absorbent article is less likely to be twisted when wet).

Therefore, when the absorbent article has a topsheet having the specific uneven structure as the absorbent layer having liquid absorption and does not include a layer having liquid absorption in addition to the topsheet, it is difficult to twist when wet and I can realize coexistence of the superior feeling of wearing more reliably.

[Low Absorbency Sheet]

In the panty liner 1 according to the present embodiment, the low-absorbency sheet 4 with low liquid absorption has a topsheet 2 in the thickness direction T of the panty liner 1 as shown in FIG. 2 . It is disposed so as to be positioned between the topsheet 3 and the backsheet 3, and is bonded to the topsheet 2, and functions to reinforce the strength (particularly the wet strength) of the topsheet (absorbent layer). Since such a low-absorbency sheet 4 has a lower liquid absorption (ie, relatively high strength when wet) than the above-mentioned topsheet 2 (absorbent layer), such a low-absorbency sheet 4 has a surface By bonding to the sheet 2, the strength (especially wet strength) of the topsheet 2 is reinforced, and the panty liner 1 easily maintains its strength above a certain level even when wet, so that distortion is more likely to occur. it is made difficult

The sheet material constituting the low-absorbent sheet is not particularly limited as long as it has a lower liquid absorption than the absorbent layer, but it is preferable to use a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric from the viewpoints of wet strength, twisting difficulty, flexibility, and the like. In the case of using a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric as a low-absorbency sheet, the degree of hydrophobicity is sufficient as long as the hydrophobicity is sufficient not to absorb the dripped water when water is dripped onto the surface of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, but wet strength, twisting difficulty, etc. From this point of view, when water is dripped onto the surface of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, it is more preferably hydrophobic (so-called water repellency) to such an extent that the dropped water is repelled from the surface of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric to form water droplets.

The type of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric used for the low-absorbent sheet (low-absorbent layer) is not particularly limited as long as it has a lower liquid absorption than the absorbent layer. For example, a nonwoven fabric of the same type as that of the above-mentioned topsheet can be used. Especially, it is preferable to use an air-through nonwoven fabric from the point of being easy to maintain wet strength. If the low-absorbent layer is made of an air-through nonwoven fabric that is particularly easy to maintain wet strength and is bonded to the surface of the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent layer, liquid excretion such as urine can be rapidly absorbed into the absorbent layer, and The absorbent layer is reinforced by the absorbent layer, so that the wet strength of the absorbent article can be more reliably maintained, and as a result, the above-mentioned distortion (in particular, twisting during wetness) can be more reliably prevented.

In addition, the above-mentioned low water-absorbency sheet may be composed of a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric having a single layer structure using a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric alone, or may be composed of a hydrophobic laminated nonwoven fabric having a laminate structure using two or more hydrophobic nonwoven fabrics. When the low-absorbent sheet is composed of a hydrophobic laminated nonwoven fabric, the wet strength and flexibility of the absorbent article can be easily adjusted by adjusting the number of laminated hydrophobic laminated nonwoven fabrics.

The fibers constituting the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric used in the low-absorbency sheet (low-absorption layer) are not particularly limited as long as they have hydrophobicity, and examples thereof include polyolefin-based fibers such as PE and PP; polyester fibers such as PET; Hydrophobic thermoplastic resin fibers, such as various composite fibers, such as a core-sheath type composite fiber, can be used. In addition, the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric used for the low-absorption layer may contain heat-sealable fibers in order to improve the rigidity. In particular, when the above-mentioned absorbent layer contains heat-sealable fibers, the heat-sealable fibers of the absorbent layer It is preferable that the heat-sealable fiber is contained in a content (mass ratio) higher than the content (mass ratio) of If the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric used for the low-absorption layer contains heat-sealable fibers in an amount greater than the content of heat-sealable fibers in the absorbent layer, a joint (fusion portion) formed by fusion of heat-sealable fibers in the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric is formed, Since the number of bonding portions (fusion portions) in the nonwoven fabric constituting the absorbent layer is greater than that of the absorbent layer, the rigidity of the low-absorbent layer is higher than that of the absorbent layer, and the low-absorbent layer is difficult to twist (particularly, difficult to twist when wet) is ensured. While doing so, it is easy to ensure a suitable flexibility and good tactile feel in the above-mentioned absorbent layer.

The basis weight of the low-absorbent sheet (low-absorptive layer) is not particularly limited as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired, and any basis weight in consideration of wet strength, flexibility, and the like may be employed. As such a basis weight, the basis weight in the range of ²⁰ g/m2 ^{- 200} g/m2 is mentioned, for example, Preferably it exists in the range ^of 30 g/m2 ^- 100 g/m2. Moreover, when the low-absorbency sheet consists of the above-mentioned hydrophobic laminated nonwoven fabric, the total basis weight of the basis weights of each layer constituting the hydrophobic laminated nonwoven fabric should just be within the above-mentioned range.

The thickness of the low-absorbent sheet (low-absorptive layer) is not particularly limited as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. For example, a thickness within the range of 0.01 mm to 8.0 mm may be employed, but the wet strength From the viewpoint of flexibility, etc., Preferably it exists in the range of 0.05 mm - 5.0 mm, More preferably, it exists in the range of 0.1 mm - 3.0 mm. Moreover, when the low water-absorbency sheet consists of the above-mentioned hydrophobic laminated nonwoven fabric, the total thickness of the thicknesses of each layer which comprises the said hydrophobic laminated nonwoven fabric should just be within the above-mentioned range.

Moreover, in this invention, it is preferable that the thickness of a low water absorption sheet (low absorption layer) is larger than the thickness of an absorption layer. When the thickness of the low-absorbing layer is larger than that of the absorbent layer, even in the low-absorbing layer, the force applied from both legs of the wearer can be dispersed in the thickness direction, thereby making the absorbent article more difficult to twist. Further, as described above, since the low-absorbent layer is a layer having a relatively high strength when wet, the above-mentioned distortion can be made more difficult to occur, particularly when the absorbent article is wet.

In the present embodiment, the topsheet 2 and the low-absorption sheet 4 are bonded to each other via the first adhesive layer A ₁ made of a hot-melt adhesive. The bonding form is not limited to such a form as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired, and the absorption layer and the low absorption layer may be bonded by any bonding means such as thermal fusion. For example, if the absorbent layer and the low-absorbent layer are joined by thermal fusion, the joint (fusion portion) is unlikely to be affected by decomposition by liquid excreta such as urine, so that the bonding condition is good even when the absorbent article is wet. and the function of reinforcing the absorption layer by the above-described low absorption layer can be more reliably exhibited. As a result, it becomes more difficult to generate|occur|produce distortion in an absorbent article.

Further, in the present embodiment, the low-absorbent sheet 4 (low-absorbent layer) is disposed on the non-skin-facing side of the topsheet 2 (absorbent layer) in the thickness direction T of the panty liner 1 (absorbent article). However, in the present invention, the low absorption layer may be disposed on the skin-facing surface side of the absorption layer, and in that case, the low absorption layer preferably has a predetermined liquid permeability. Even when the low-absorbent layer is disposed on the skin-facing side of the absorbent layer, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be achieved in that the strength (particularly wet strength) of the absorbent layer is reinforced.

In addition, in the absorbent article of the present invention, since the low-absorbent sheet (low-absorbent layer) is not an essential component, in consideration of the flexibility of the absorbent article, the absorbent article has a configuration in which the low-absorbent sheet (low-absorbent layer) is omitted. You may.

[Backsheet]

In the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the back sheet 3 is disposed at a position on the non-skin-facing surface side in the thickness direction T of the panty liner 1, and is provided with air permeability, It is constituted by a liquid-impermeable sheet which functions to prevent penetration of liquid excrement such as urine discharged from the wearer, and prevents the liquid excretion from leaking into the wearer's clothing.

The liquid-impermeable sheet constituting the back sheet 3 is not particularly limited, and for example, a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, a resin film such as polyethylene or polypropylene having air permeability, a laminate in which the nonwoven fabric is laminated to the resin film; Any liquid-impermeable sheet such as a laminated nonwoven fabric such as SMS can be used. Among these, it is preferable to use a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric from points, such as liquid impermeability, wet strength, and softness|flexibility.

In addition, when a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric is used as the back sheet, the degree of hydrophobicity is the same as that of the above-mentioned low water absorption sheet, and when water is dripped onto the surface of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, it is sufficient if it is hydrophobic enough to not absorb the dripped water. When water is dripped onto the surface of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric from the viewpoints of wet strength, twisting difficulty, and liquid excretion difficulty, the hydrophobicity (so-called water repellency) to such an extent that the dripped water is repelled from the surface of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric to form water droplets. ) is more preferable.

The type of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric used for the back sheet is not particularly limited as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. For example, any nonwoven fabric such as spunbond nonwoven fabric, point bonded nonwoven fabric, melt blown nonwoven fabric, and SMS nonwoven fabric can be employed Among these nonwoven fabrics, it is preferable to use a nonwoven fabric comprising an ultrafine fiber layer composed of fibers having a fineness of 1 dtex or less. Since such an ultrafine fiber layer is excellent in breathability and liquid impermeability and has moderate flexibility, when a nonwoven fabric including such an ultrafine fiber layer is used as a back sheet, the wearability of the absorbent article can be further improved. The lower limit of the fineness of the fibers constituting the ultrafine fiber layer is not particularly limited, but is, for example, about 0.1 dtex.

Moreover, it is especially preferable to use SMS nonwoven fabric among the hydrophobic nonwoven fabrics mentioned above. SMS nonwoven fabric is a laminated nonwoven fabric having a three-layer structure of spunbond/meltblown/spunbond. Since it is a nonwoven fabric capable of more effectively suppressing the permeation of liquid excrement (especially by a melt blown layer, which is an ultrafine fiber layer), when such a nonwoven fabric is used as a back sheet, the back sheet has excellent air permeability and distortion resistance. It is possible to more effectively suppress leakage of liquid excreta while ensuring difficulty (in particular, difficulty in twisting when wet).

The constituent fibers of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric used for the back sheet are not particularly limited as long as they have hydrophobicity, and examples thereof include polyolefin fibers such as PE and PP; polyester fibers such as PET; Hydrophobic thermoplastic resin fibers, such as various composite fibers, such as a core-sheath type composite fiber, can be used.

In the present invention, the basis weight of the back sheet is not particularly limited as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired, and any basis weight may be adopted in consideration of wet strength, flexibility, air permeability, liquid impermeability, and the like. As such a basis weight, the basis weight in the range of ⁸ g/m2 ^- 60 g/m2 is mentioned, for example, Preferably it exists in the range ^of 15 g/m2 ^- 50 g/m2.

The thickness of the back sheet is not particularly limited as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. For example, a thickness within the range of 0.01 mm to 5.0 mm can be adopted, but wet strength, flexibility, air permeability, liquid From points, such as impermeability, Preferably it exists in the range of 0.05 mm - 3.0 mm.

[Adhesive layer]

In the embodiment described above, in the panty liner 1, as shown in FIG. 2, the topsheet 2, the low-absorbency sheet 4, and the backsheet 3 are interposed between the respective sheets (that is, the topsheet ( 2) A first adhesive layer (A ₁ ) and a second adhesive layer made of a hot-melt adhesive, respectively, disposed between the low-absorbency sheet 4 and between the low-absorbency sheet 4 and the back sheet 3). They are joined to each other via (A ₂ ). In this way, if the top sheet (absorbent layer) and the low water absorption sheet (low absorption layer) and between the low water absorption sheet (low absorption layer) and the back sheet are respectively bonded via the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer, these Since it becomes difficult to generate|occur|produce the position shift or deformation|transformation in each sheet|seat, an absorbent article becomes more difficult to twist.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the arrangement pattern of the adhesive in the first adhesive layer (A ₁ ) and the second adhesive layer (A ₂ ) is an arrangement pattern of a plurality of spirals extending in the longitudinal direction (L), but , in the present invention, it is not limited to such an arrangement pattern, and arbitrary arrangement patterns such as a plurality of strands extending in the longitudinal direction and/or the width direction, such as omega, broken lines, zigzags, stripes, and bands, are adopted. can do.

Further, the first adhesive layer between the top sheet and the low-absorbency sheet and the second adhesive layer between the low-absorbency sheet and the back sheet are formed so that the respective arrangement patterns do not overlap in the thickness direction of the absorbent article (that is, the first adhesive layer in plan view). It is preferable that it arrange|positions so that the arrangement pattern of and the arrangement pattern of the second adhesive layer do not overlap). When the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are respectively arranged in a non-overlapping arrangement pattern in the thickness direction of the absorbent article, each joint point that can serve as a bending origin is formed in a certain number or more, so the strength of the absorbent article as a whole is improved and the absorbency The article becomes more difficult to twist, and at the same time, it is possible to have more appropriate flexibility. Thereby, coexistence of distortion difficulty (particularly, distortion difficulty at the time of wet) and excellent wearing comfort can be realized more effectively and reliably.

In addition, in this specification, the arrangement pattern of the above-mentioned first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer does not overlap in the thickness direction of the absorbent article means that the arrangement pattern of the first adhesive layer and the arrangement pattern of the second adhesive layer are in the thickness direction of the absorbent article. In addition to the aspect which does not overlap completely, the aspect where each arrangement|positioning pattern partially overlaps in the thickness direction of an absorbent article is also included.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, between the respective sheets (that is, between the top sheet 2 and the low-absorbency sheet 4 and between the low-absorbency sheet 4 and the back sheet 3) is a hot melt, respectively. Although they are mutually joined by a mold adhesive, in this invention, the means in particular for joining between each sheet is not restrict|limited unless the effect of this invention is impaired, Between each sheet, for example, heat fusion etc. You may join by arbitrary joining means. For example, if the sheets are joined by heat sealing, the bonding portion (fusion portion) is not easily affected by decomposition by liquid excrement such as urine, so that the bonding condition is good even when the absorbent article is wet. It can be maintained to be strong, and it becomes more difficult to produce distortion in the absorbent article.

[Absorber]

The panty liner 1 according to the above embodiment does not include an absorbent body for absorbing and holding liquid excretion such as urine other than the topsheet 2 as an absorbent layer. However, in the absorbent article of the present invention, the present invention As long as the effect of the invention is not impaired, such an absorber may be provided. Specifically, in the absorbent article of the present invention, as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired, an absorbent body capable of absorbing and holding liquid excretion may be disposed, for example, between the top sheet and the low-absorbent sheet. . If such an absorber is disposed between the topsheet and the low-absorbent sheet, even if a part of the liquid excrement supplied on the topsheet penetrates the topsheet, the absorber can absorb and hold the liquid excrement. Leakage, liquid backflow, etc. from the absorbent article can be suppressed, and as a result, a good fit of the absorbent article can be more reliably provided to the wearer.

The absorbent is not particularly limited as long as it can absorb and hold liquid excrement, and any absorbent known in the art can be used. As an example of such an absorbent body, what covered the absorbent core comprised by the absorbent material with core wrap sheets, such as a tissue which has hydrophilicity, etc. are mentioned. Examples of the absorbent material constituting the absorbent core include hydrophilic fibers and superabsorbent polymers, and more specifically, cellulose fibers such as pulverized pulp and cotton; regenerated cellulose fibers such as rayon and fibril rayon; Semisynthetic cellulose fibers such as acetate and triacetate; granular materials made of a superabsorbent polymer such as sodium acrylate copolymer; and any combination of two or more of these.

Further, the present invention can be applied to various absorbent articles other than the panty liner of the above-described embodiment, for example, a sanitary pad and a (trans)incontinence pad. Moreover, the absorbent article of this invention is not restrict|limited to embodiment mentioned above, A combination, a change, etc. are suitably possible within the range which does not deviate from the objective and meaning of this invention. In addition, in this specification, ordinal numbers, such as "first" and "second", are for distinguishing the matter to which the said ordinal number was attached, and do not mean the order, priority, importance, etc. of each matter.

1: panty liner (an example of an absorbent article)
2: Topsheet (an example of an absorbent layer having liquid absorption)
3: back sheet
4: Low water absorption sheet (an example of a low water absorption layer)
5: release sheet
6: adhesive layer
A ₁ : first adhesive layer
A ₂ : 2nd adhesive layer

Claims (9)

An absorbent article comprising an absorbent layer having a liquid absorption property and made of a nonwoven fabric, the absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction orthogonal to each other, the absorbent article comprising:
The absorbent layer includes a convex portion that protrudes toward the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent article in the thickness direction and extends continuously in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction; Concave portions that are recessed toward the skin-facing surface side and extend continuously in parallel with the convex portions are provided with a concave-convex structure alternately arranged along the longitudinal direction,
The convex part has a cavity part which the surface of the said non-skin-facing surface side of the said absorption layer faces,
Further, the absorbent article includes, in the thickness direction, at least one of the skin-facing surface side and the non-skin-facing surface side of the absorbent layer, a low absorption layer having a lower absorption property than the absorbent layer, the absorbent layer and the low absorption layer The absorbent article to which the absorbent layer is joined. The method of claim 1,
A direction intersecting the longitudinal direction is the width direction. An absorbent article comprising an absorbent layer having a liquid absorption property and made of a nonwoven fabric, the absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction orthogonal to each other, the absorbent article comprising:
The absorbent layer includes a convex portion protruding toward the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent article in the thickness direction and continuously extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, and a non-skin-facing surface side of the absorbent article in the thickness direction. Concave portions recessed toward and continuously extending in parallel with the convex portions are provided with a concave-convex structure alternately arranged along the longitudinal direction,
the convex part has a cavity part facing the surface of the non-skin-facing surface side of the absorbent layer;
Further, the absorbent article wherein the absorbent layer is a topsheet. 4. The method of claim 3,
A direction intersecting the longitudinal direction is the width direction. 4. The method of claim 3,
The absorbent article includes, in the thickness direction, at least one of the skin-facing surface side and the non-skin-facing surface side of the absorbent layer, a low absorption layer having a lower absorption property than the absorbent layer, and the absorbent layer and the low absorption layer are provided. A bonding, absorbent article. 6. The method of claim 1, 2 or 5, wherein
The absorbent article, wherein the low-absorbent layer has a thickness greater than that of the absorbent layer. 6. The method of claim 1, 2 or 5, wherein
The low-absorption layer includes heat-sealable fibers and has a plurality of fusion portions in which the heat-sealable fibers are fused to each other, and the absorbent layer does not contain heat-sealable fibers or contains more heat-sealable fibers than the low-absorption layer. Absorbent article with little content. 6. The method of claim 1, 2 or 5, wherein
The absorbent article, wherein the low-absorbent layer is constituted by an air-through nonwoven fabric, and the air-through nonwoven fabric is disposed on the non-skin-facing surface side of the absorbent layer in the thickness direction of the absorbent article. 5. The method according to claim 3 or 4,
The absorbent article does not include a layer having liquid absorption properties other than the absorbent layer.

Images