KR102587188B1 - absorbent article - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an absorbent article that is less likely to cause foreign body sensation to the wearer and has excellent wearing comfort. The absorbent article of the present invention has a specific uneven structure (20) in which convex portions (21) and concave grooves (22) extending continuously in a predetermined first direction are alternately arranged along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. ) and a liquid-permeable sheet in which a first non-woven fabric layer (2) and a second non-woven fabric layer (3) are joined at a joint portion (7), and the second direction of the first non-woven fabric layer (2) The end portion 24 in is not joined to the second nonwoven fabric layer 3 and protrudes outward from the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article in the second direction.

Description

absorbent article

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

Conventionally, absorbent articles such as panty liners, light incontinence pads, and sanitary napkins have been required to have the ability to quickly absorb liquid excretions such as urine or menstrual blood and keep them from leaking to the outside. Recently, in addition to this ability, they have been required to provide a feeling of touch or There is a demand for excellent fit to the wearer's body and a feeling of wearing.

For example, in Patent Document 1, in an absorbent article in which a plurality of sheets are overlapped and formed vertically with left and right side edges and front and rear edges extending in the vertical direction, there is a horizontal section that bisects the absorbent article in the vertical direction. In a range of a predetermined length extending vertically across the direction center line, a first group of plurality of compression portions is formed on the inside of the both side edges, and the plurality of compression portions of the first group are spaced at predetermined intervals. An absorbent article is disclosed in which non-compression areas are arranged in a row along the shape of both edges, and non-compression areas extending along the arrangement direction of the plurality of compression portions are formed on both sides of the row forming the compression portions.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-8596

As in the absorbent article disclosed in Patent Document 1, if a plurality of compression portions, such as a round seal portion, are formed on the inside of the outer periphery of the absorbent article, it is difficult for the hard compression portions to contact the skin surface such as the wearer's thigh or groin area. Because of this, there is an advantage that it is difficult to give the wearer a foreign body sensation due to such a pressing portion.

However, the absorbent article disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the furrows and ridges of the grooved structure formed on the surface sheet extend (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article) At the outer periphery of the absorbent article located at both ends in the width direction, the first top sheet, second top sheet, middle sheet, and back sheet constituting the absorbent article are joined by an adhesive to integrate, and a hard portion with hard hardness is formed. Since this is formed (see FIGS. 2 and 3 in Patent Document 1), there was a risk that this hard part would contact the wearer's skin surface such as the thigh or groin, causing a foreign body sensation to the wearer, making it impossible to obtain a good fit. .

Therefore, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that is less likely to cause foreign body sensation to the wearer and has excellent wearing comfort.

One aspect (mode 1) of the present invention includes a liquid-permeable sheet in which a first non-woven fabric layer forming a skin-facing surface and a second non-woven fabric layer adjacent to the skin-non-facing surface of the first non-woven fabric layer are joined at a joint. As an absorbent article,

The first nonwoven fabric layer has a convex portion that protrudes toward the skin-facing surface side in the thickness direction of the absorbent article and extends continuously in a predetermined first direction, and a convex portion that protrudes toward the skin-facing surface side in the thickness direction. Concave grooves that are recessed toward and continuously extend in the first direction have a concave-convex structure alternately arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and at least some of the concave grooves are located in the joint portion. is bonded to the second nonwoven fabric layer,

In addition, the first non-woven fabric layer has a length in the second direction in an extended state longer than the length of the second non-woven fabric layer in the second direction, and is made of a non-woven fabric capable of forming the convex portion,

The absorbent article has an end portion of the first nonwoven fabric layer in the second direction that is not bonded to the second nonwoven fabric layer and protrudes outward from the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article in the second direction.

In the absorbent article of Embodiment 1, the end portion of the first nonwoven fabric layer in the second direction is not bonded to the second nonwoven fabric layer and protrudes outward from the outer peripheral portion of the absorbent article in the second direction ( Hereinafter, the portion (including the end portion) of the first nonwoven layer that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article in the second direction may simply be referred to as “the protruding portion of the first nonwoven fabric layer.” When wearing the absorbent article, the protruding portion of the first nonwoven fabric layer covers the hard portion at the outer periphery of the absorbent article, so that it is easily interposed between the wearer's skin surface and the hard portion, and provides the wearer with the absorbent article. This may make it difficult to detect the hardness of the outer periphery (i.e., the hardness of the hard portion at the outer periphery). Accordingly, the absorbent article of this Embodiment 1 can make it difficult for the wearer to experience foreign body sensation caused by the hardness of the outer peripheral portion of the absorbent article, and as a result, the absorbent article exhibited by the liquid-permeable sheet having the specific concavo-convex structure. Excellent fit can be maintained well.

Furthermore, in another aspect (mode 2) of the present invention, in the absorbent article of aspect 1, the convex portion has a hollow internal structure.

In the absorbent article of this Embodiment 2, since the convex portion has a hollow internal structure, good cushioning properties and a more flexible touch can be obtained, and a more excellent wearing feeling can be obtained as an absorbent article.

In another aspect (mode 3) of the present invention, in the absorbent article of aspect 1 or 2, the joint portion located on the most outward side in the second direction is positioned away from the outer peripheral portion of the absorbent article inward. This is the embossing part placed in .

In the absorbent article of Embodiment 3, since the joint portion located on the most outward side in the second direction is an embossed portion disposed at a position away from the outer periphery of the absorbent article toward the inner side, the embossing portion in the first nonwoven fabric layer The portion adjacent to the portion in the second direction, especially the outer portion (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “end region”), stands on the side facing the skin and forms the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article (more specifically, the outer peripheral edge). It is easy to separate from the hard part. And, since the end region of the first non-woven fabric layer spaced apart from the outer periphery of the absorbent article in this way can function like a cushioning material, the wearer's skin surface is positioned around the outer periphery of the absorbent article through the above-described protruding portion of the first non-woven fabric layer. It may be more difficult to contact the edge and make it more difficult for the wearer to sense the hardness of the outer edge of the absorbent article.

In addition, since the embossed portion is disposed at a position away from the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article toward the inner side, the skin surface such as the wearer's thigh or groin is indirectly exposed to the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article through the protruding portion of the first nonwoven fabric layer. Even if there is contact, in this outer peripheral portion, there is no hard part due to the embossed portion, making it more difficult to give the wearer a foreign body sensation.

In another aspect (mode 4) of the present invention, in the absorbent article of any one of aspects 1 to 3, the first nonwoven fabric layer has a thickness greater than the second nonwoven fabric layer.

In the absorbent article of this Embodiment 4, since the first non-woven fabric layer has a thickness greater than the second non-woven fabric layer, the restoring force against compression in the thickness direction of the convex rib portion in the first non-woven fabric layer can be secured, thereby providing a higher cushion. performance can be achieved. In addition, when a nonwoven fabric having such a large restoring force of the convex portions is used for the first nonwoven fabric layer, the end of the first nonwoven fabric layer is more likely to protrude outward in the planar direction than the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article, thereby providing excellent performance of the above-mentioned absorbent article. The effect of maintaining good wearing comfort can be obtained more reliably.

In another aspect (mode 5) of the present invention, in the absorbent article of any one of aspects 1 to 4, the first nonwoven fabric layer has a greater restoring force than the second nonwoven fabric layer.

The absorbent article of this Embodiment 5 can exhibit higher cushioning performance because the first nonwoven fabric layer has a greater restoring force than the second nonwoven fabric layer, and the end of the first nonwoven fabric layer is flatter than the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article. Since it is easy to protrude outward in the direction, the effect of maintaining the excellent fit of the absorbent article described above can be obtained more reliably.

In another aspect (mode 6) of the present invention, in the absorbent article of any one of the above aspects 1 to 5, the absorbent article has a vertically elongated external shape with longitudinal and width directions orthogonal to each other, The first direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction.

In the absorbent article of this Embodiment 6, the first direction in which the convex portions and the concave grooves extend is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article having a vertically elongated external shape, so that excretions such as urine discharged from the wearer are discharged into the concave portion. Not only can it spread along the groove in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, but it can also improve fit to the wearer's skin.

In addition, in the absorbent article of this Embodiment 6, the outer peripheral edge located at the end in the width direction of the absorbent article, which is particularly prone to contact with the skin surface such as the wearer's thigh or groin, is covered by the protruding portion of the above-described first nonwoven fabric layer. Since it is difficult to directly contact the wearer's skin surface, even if the direction in which the convex portion and the concave groove extend is the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, it is difficult to give a foreign body sensation to the wearer, and a good fit can be maintained.

In another aspect (mode 7) of the present invention, in the absorbent article of any one of the above aspects 1 to 6, the height of the end region located on the outer side of the joint portion in the first nonwoven fabric layer is equal to the height of the convex portion. is smaller than the height of

In the absorbent article of Embodiment 7, since the height of the end region of the first nonwoven fabric layer is smaller than the height of the convex portion, the protruding portion of the above-mentioned first nonwoven fabric layer is likely to further cover the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article, and the absorbent article This can make it more difficult for the wearer to reliably experience foreign body sensation caused by the hardness of the outer edge of the article.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an absorbent article that is less likely to cause foreign body sensation to the wearer and has excellent wearing comfort.

Fig. 1 is a partially broken perspective view of a panty liner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a plan view of a panty liner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 2 of the panty liner 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 4 is a plan view of a panty liner 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the absorbent article of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Additionally, in this specification, unless otherwise specified, “an object (e.g., an absorbent article, a top sheet (liquid-permeable sheet), etc.) placed on a horizontal surface in an unfolded state is viewed from the vertical upward side in the thickness direction of the object. This is simply called “plane time.”

The various directions used in this specification are as follows, unless otherwise specified.

In this specification, “longitudinal direction” refers to “the direction in which a vertically long object (e.g., absorbent article, surface sheet (liquid-permeable sheet), etc.) is long in plan view,” and “width direction” refers to “plane The “thickness direction” refers to “the direction in which the length of a vertically long object is short (short direction)”, and the “thickness direction” refers to “the direction perpendicular to an object placed on a horizontal plane in an unfolded state,” and these longitudinal and width directions and the thickness direction each have a relationship orthogonal to each other. In addition, in this specification, “plane direction” refers to “the direction in which the plane of a substantially sheet-shaped object (e.g., absorbent article, top sheet (liquid-permeable sheet), etc.) extends in plan view (i.e., horizontal plane direction).” , the plane direction and the thickness direction are orthogonal to each other.

In addition, in this specification, “in the longitudinal direction of a vertically long object, the relatively proximal side with respect to the longitudinal central axis (C _W ) located at the center of the longitudinal direction of the object and extending in the width direction” is referred to as “longitudinal direction.” The medial side is referred to as “the distal side in the longitudinal direction of the vertically long object, relative to the longitudinal central axis (C _W )” is referred to as the “outer side in the width direction.” Likewise, “in the width direction of a vertically long object, the relatively proximal side with respect to the width direction central axis C _L located at the center of the width direction of the object and extending in the longitudinal direction” is referred to as “the medial side in the width direction.” This means that “the distal side relatively to the central axis C _L in the width direction in the width direction of the vertically long object” is referred to as the “outward side in the width direction.” In addition, in this specification, “the relatively proximal side with respect to the intersection of the longitudinal central axis (C _W ) and the widthwise central axis (C _L ) of the object in the planar direction of the approximately sheet-shaped object” is defined as “the plane direction.” The “medial side” refers to the “relatively distal side with respect to the intersection of the longitudinal central axis (C _W ) and the transversal central axis (C _L ) of the object in the planar direction of a roughly sheet-shaped object” as the “plane direction”. It is called “outer side.”

In this specification, unless otherwise specified, in the thickness direction of the absorbent article, the "relatively proximal side to the wearer's skin surface when wearing the absorbent article" is referred to as the "skin surface side" and the "side of the absorbent article is When worn, the “relatively distal side to the wearer’s skin surface” is called the “non-skin surface side.” Here, “when worn” means from the time the wearer wears the absorbent article (i.e., when the absorbent article is in a usable state) and while maintaining that state (while wearing it).

In addition, in this specification, “surface on the skin-facing side” and “surface on the non-skin-facing side” of various members constituting the absorbent article (e.g., top sheet (liquid-permeable sheet), back sheet (liquid-impermeable sheet), etc.) are simply referred to as “skin facing surface” and “skin non-facing surface,” respectively.

FIG. 1 is a partially broken perspective view of the panty liner 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the panty liner 1, and FIG. 3 is a view of the panty liner 1 in FIG. 2. This is a partial cross-sectional view along line III-III.

1 and 2, the panty liner 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a vertically elongated external shape in the longitudinal direction (L) and the width direction (W) when viewed in plan view. And, more specifically, the outer peripheral portions located at both ends in the longitudinal direction (L) (second outer peripheral portions (E ₂ ) in FIGS. 1 and 2) each protrude toward the outer side in the longitudinal direction (L). It is curved as much as possible, and has a vertically elongated external shape with the approximately central portion in the longitudinal direction (L) slightly narrowed toward the inner side in the width direction (W).

In addition, in the present invention, the external shape of the absorbent article is not limited to this aspect, and any external shape (eg, rectangular, oval, hourglass, etc.) can be adopted depending on various uses.

1 to 3, the panty liner 1 according to the present embodiment is located on the skin-facing surface side Da of the panty liner 1 in the thickness direction T and has a specific uneven structure described later. A surface sheet (4) made of a liquid-permeable sheet composed of a first non-woven fabric layer (20) and a second non-woven fabric layer (3) laminated on the first non-woven fabric layer (2), and a panty liner ( It has a basic configuration of a back sheet 6 made of a liquid-impermeable sheet located on the non-skin facing surface side Db of 1) and an intermediate sheet 5 located between these sheets, and the top sheet 4 The surface on the skin-facing surface side Da (i.e., skin-facing surface) forms the skin-facing surface of the panty liner 1, and the surface on the skin-non-facing surface side of the backsheet 6 (i.e., skin-non-facing surface). forms the skin-non-facing surface of the panty liner 1.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the panty liner 1 has an outer periphery of the panty liner 1 in plan view (more specifically, in the width direction W of the panty liner 1). The outer peripheral portion is positioned away from the first outer peripheral portion (E ₁ ) located at each of both ends and the second outer peripheral portion (E ₂ ) located at each of both ends in the longitudinal direction (L) in the inward direction in the planar direction. arranged so that the top sheet 4 (liquid-permeable sheet), the middle sheet 5, and the back sheet 6 (liquid-impermeable sheet) are integrated in the thickness direction T of the panty liner 1. It is provided with a round seal section consisting of an emboss section (8). This embossed portion 8, like the joint portion 7 described later, is an example of a “joined portion” in the absorbent article of the present invention.

In addition, in this embodiment, the space between the top sheet 4 and the middle sheet 5 and between the middle sheet 5 and the back sheet 6, in addition to the above-described embossed portion 8, is formed using a hot melt adhesive. It is joined through an adhesive layer (not shown).

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, on the skin-non-facing surface of the backsheet 6, a plurality of adhesives extending continuously in the width direction (W) are arranged along the longitudinal direction (L) (in a so-called stripe shape). It is provided with an adhesive portion 12 for fixing the clothing, and the surface of the adhesive portion 12 on the non-skin facing side is arranged so as to cover substantially the entire surface of the back sheet 6 not facing the skin. A release sheet 11 is provided to protect the placed adhesive portion 12 before use. When the panty liner 1 constructed in this way is worn, the above-mentioned release sheet 11 is peeled off, and the panty liner 1 is placed on the non-skin facing surface of the back sheet 6 as an adhesive for securing clothing. It is fixed to the inner surface of the wearer's clothing (e.g., underwear, etc.) by means of the portion 12, and is worn with the top sheet 4 facing the wearer's skin surface.

Additionally, the adhesive forming the above-mentioned adhesive portion is not particularly limited as long as it can secure the absorbent article to the wearer's clothing. For example, any adhesive containing a styrene-based polymer or the like can be used. Additionally, the arrangement pattern of the adhesive is not particularly limited, and the adhesive may extend intermittently in the width direction (W), or may extend continuously or intermittently in the longitudinal direction (L).

In the panty liner 1 according to the present embodiment, the top sheet 4 includes the first non-woven fabric layer 2 forming the skin-facing surface of the panty liner 1 and the above-described layer, as shown in FIG. 3 . A second non-woven fabric layer (3) adjacent to the skin-non-facing surface of the first non-woven fabric layer (2) is made of a liquid-permeable sheet joined at a joint portion (7), and the first non-woven fabric layer (2) is a panty. A convex portion 21 that protrudes toward the skin-facing surface in the thickness direction T of the liner 1 and extends continuously in a first direction D ₁ corresponding to the longitudinal direction L of the panty liner 1. and a concave groove 22 that is recessed in the thickness direction T toward the non-skin facing surface side and extends continuously in the first direction D ₁ in the width direction W of the panty liner 1. In addition to having uneven structures 20 alternately arranged along the corresponding second direction D ₂ , at least some of the concave grooves 22 are connected to the second nonwoven fabric layer 3 at the joint 7. It is joined. In addition, the length of the first nonwoven fabric layer 2 in the second direction (D ₂ ) in the stretched state is longer than the length of the second nonwoven fabric layer 3 in the second direction (D ₂ ), and It is made of non-woven fabric capable of forming the convex ribs (21).

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, in the panty liner 1, the end portion 24 of the first nonwoven fabric layer 2 in the second direction D ₂ is not bonded to the second nonwoven fabric layer 3. In addition, it protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the panty liner ₁ (that is, the first outer periphery E ₁ extending in the first direction D ₁ ) in the second direction D 2 .

In the panty liner 1 according to this embodiment, the end portion 24 of the first nonwoven fabric layer 2 in the second direction D ₂ is not bonded to the second nonwoven fabric layer 3, and the end portion 24 of the first nonwoven fabric layer 2 is not bonded to the second nonwoven fabric layer 3. Since it protrudes outward from the outer peripheral portion of the panty liner 1 (i.e., the first outer peripheral portion E ₁ extending in _the first direction D ₁ ) in the two directions D 2 , the panty liner 1 ), the protruding portion P _T of the first nonwoven fabric layer 2 covers the hard portion e ₁ at the outer periphery of the panty liner 1, as shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, it is easy to be sandwiched between the wearer's skin surface and the hard portion (e ₁ ), and the hardness of the outer peripheral portion of the panty liner 1 (i.e., the hard portion (e ₁ ) at the first outer peripheral portion (E ₁ ) to the wearer. ) can make it difficult to detect the hardness of ). Accordingly, the panty liner 1 can make it difficult for the wearer to experience foreign body sensation caused by the hardness of the outer peripheral portion of the panty liner 1, and as a result, the liquid-permeable sheet having the specific concave-convex structure 20 It is possible to maintain a good wearing feeling as shown by this.

In addition, in the present invention, the outer periphery of the absorbent article refers to the outer edge of the outer shape of the absorbent article in plan view (excluding the protruding portion of the first nonwoven fabric layer), for example, the panty liner according to the above-described embodiment ( In 1), a first outer peripheral portion (E ₁ ) located at each of both ends in the width direction (W) of the panty liner 1 and a second outer peripheral portion located at each of both ends in the longitudinal direction (L) It is composed by (E ₂ ). Here, the first outer peripheral edge E ₁ is a direction substantially parallel to the first direction D 1 in which the convex portion 21 of the first nonwoven fabric layer 2 extends, among _the outer peripheral edges of the panty liner 1. It is an outer peripheral edge extending to, and the second outer peripheral edge E ₂ is the first direction D ₁ in which the convex portion 21 of the first nonwoven fabric layer 2 extends among the outer peripheral edges of the panty liner 1. It is an outer peripheral edge extending in a direction approximately parallel to the second direction (D ₂ ) perpendicular to .

Additionally, in the present invention, the convex portions and concave grooves of the first nonwoven fabric layer include the highest point of the convex portions in the thickness direction of the first nonwoven fabric layer (i.e., the point located most on the skin-opposing surface side in the thickness direction). 1 Located in the middle of a virtual horizontal plane and a second virtual horizontal plane including the lowest point of the concave groove (i.e., the point located most on the non-skin facing surface side in the thickness direction) (i.e., the first virtual horizontal plane and the second virtual plane Based on the third virtual horizontal plane (located so that the distance from each of the horizontal planes is equidistant), the part that protrudes toward the skin-facing side is called a convex portion, and the part that is concave toward the non-skin-facing side is called a concave groove. .

Hereinafter, various members constituting the absorbent article of the present invention will be described in more detail using the panty liner 1 according to the above-described embodiment.

[Surface sheet]

In the panty liner 1 according to the present embodiment, the top sheet 4 is on the skin-facing side of the panty liner 1, which can directly contact the wearer's skin surface, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. A first non-woven fabric layer (2) disposed at the position (Da), forming the skin-facing surface of the panty liner (1) and having the specific uneven structure (20) described above, and the first non-woven fabric layer (2) The second nonwoven fabric layer (3) adjacent to the non-skin facing surface is comprised of a liquid-permeable sheet joined at the joint portion (7).

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the top sheet 4 has a second outer peripheral portion located at each end of the panty liner 1 in the longitudinal direction L in a plan view ( In addition to extending between E ₂ ), it extends between the first outer peripheral portions E ₁ located at each of both ends in the width direction W of the panty liner 1, and It has the same vertically long external shape as the external shape. In addition, the surface sheet (liquid-permeable sheet) in the absorbent article of the present invention is not limited to this shape, and can be of any shape and size in plan view.

In addition, the liquid-permeable sheet used as the top sheet 4 in this embodiment is a first non-woven fabric layer 2 that forms the skin-facing surface of the panty liner 1 and has the specific uneven structure 20 described above. and a second non-woven fabric layer (3) adjacent to the skin-non-facing surface of the first non-woven fabric layer (2) is composed of a liquid-permeable sheet joined at the joint portion (7).

As described above, the first nonwoven fabric layer 2 constituting the liquid-permeable sheet protrudes toward the skin-facing surface side Da in the thickness direction T of the panty liner 1 and also extends from the panty liner 1. A convex portion 21 extending continuously in a first direction D ₁ corresponding to the longitudinal direction L, and recessed in the thickness direction T toward the skin non-opposing surface side Db and further comprising the first Concave grooves 22 extending continuously in the direction D ₁ form a specific uneven structure 20 in which concave grooves 22 are alternately arranged along a second direction D ₂ corresponding to the width direction W of the panty liner 1. It is provided, and at least part of the concave groove portion 22 is joined to the second nonwoven fabric layer 3 at the joint portion 7. Here, the first nonwoven fabric layer 2 is such that the end portion 24 of the first nonwoven fabric layer 2 in the second direction D ₂ is not bonded to the second nonwoven fabric layer 3 and the second nonwoven fabric layer 2 is It is arranged to protrude outward from the outer peripheral portion of the panty liner 1 in the direction D ₂ (i.e., the first outer peripheral portion _E 1 extending in the first direction D ₁ ), and the first non-woven fabric layer ( The protruding portion (P _T ) of 2) covers the hard portion (e ₁ ) at the outer periphery of the panty liner (1) so as to be easily interposed between the wearer's skin surface and the hard portion (e ₁ ). .

In addition, in the present invention, the specific concavo-convex structure having the above-mentioned convex portions and concave groove portions may be formed in the entire area of the first nonwoven fabric layer as in the present embodiment, or may be formed only in some areas.

In addition, in this embodiment, the convex portion 21 has a hollow portion 23 that faces the non-skin facing surface of the first nonwoven fabric layer 2, as shown in FIG. 3 . It is not an essential structural requirement for the absorbent article of the present invention that the convex portions of the first nonwoven fabric layer have this hollow internal structure, but if the convex portions of the first nonwoven fabric layer have this hollow internal structure, good cushioning properties and more A flexible touch can be obtained, and a better wearing comfort can be obtained as an absorbent article. On the other hand, if the convex portions of the first nonwoven fabric layer have a solid internal structure, it is difficult for a gap to be formed between the first nonwoven fabric layer and the second nonwoven fabric layer, and the liquid flows from the skin-facing side of the liquid-permeable sheet to the skin-non-facing side. The transferability of is improved.

In the present invention, the height of the convex portion of the first nonwoven fabric layer is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the effect of the present invention, for example, within the range of 0.01 mm to 6.0 mm, but from the viewpoint of cushioning properties, feel, etc., it is preferably It is within the range of 0.1 mm to 4.0 mm, more preferably within the range of 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm. Likewise, the depth of the concave grooves of the first nonwoven fabric layer is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the effect of the present invention, and is, for example, within the range of 0.01 mm to 6.0 mm, but from the viewpoint of cushioning properties, feel, etc., it is preferably 0.1 mm. It is within the range of mm to 4.0 mm, more preferably within the range of 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm. In addition, in this specification, “height of the convex portion” means the height to the highest point of the convex portion using the second virtual horizontal plane as a reference plane (i.e., the distance between the first virtual horizontal plane and the second virtual horizontal plane), , “Depth of the concave groove” means the depth to the lowest point of the concave groove using the first virtual horizontal plane as a reference plane (that is, the distance between the first virtual horizontal plane and the second virtual horizontal plane).

In addition, in the panty liner 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the embossed portion 8 (similar to the joint portion 7) in the first nonwoven fabric layer 2 is the “joined portion” in the present invention. The height h of the end area A _E located on the outer side is smaller than the height H of the convex portion 21. Accordingly, the panty liner 1 has the protruding portion P _T of the above-described first nonwoven fabric layer 2 aligned with the outer peripheral portion (more specifically, the first outer peripheral portion E ₁ ) of the panty liner 1. It is easier to cover the hard portion (e ₁ ) in the panty liner 1, and it becomes more difficult to reliably give the wearer a foreign body sensation caused by the hardness of the outer peripheral portion of the panty liner 1.

In the present invention, the width of the convex portion and the concave groove portion (i.e., the maximum length of the convex portion and the concave groove portion in the second direction) of the first nonwoven fabric layer is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the effect of the present invention, for example. It is within the range of 0.1 mm to 15.0 mm, but from the viewpoint of cushioning properties, feel, etc., it is preferably within the range of 0.5 mm to 10.0 mm, and more preferably within the range of 1.0 mm to 5.0 mm.

In addition, in the present invention, the direction in which the convex portions and concave grooves of the first nonwoven fabric layer extend, that is, the first direction, is not particularly limited, but the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article having a vertically elongated external shape as in the above-described embodiment. It is desirable to be parallel to . If the first direction in which the convex portions and the concave grooves of the first nonwoven fabric layer extend is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, excretions such as urine discharged from the wearer can be spread along the concave grooves in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article. In addition, the fit to the wearer's skin surface can be improved. In addition, the outer peripheral portion (the first outer peripheral portion E ₁ in the above-described embodiment) located at the end in the width direction of the absorbent article, which is particularly prone to contact with the skin surface such as the wearer's thigh or groin, is the first outer peripheral portion E 1 described above. Since it is covered by the protruding portion of the non-woven fabric layer and makes it difficult to directly contact the wearer's skin surface, it is difficult to give a foreign body feeling to the wearer and a good fit can be maintained even if the direction in which the convex portion and the concave groove extend is the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article. .

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the length of the first nonwoven fabric layer 2 in the second direction D ₂ in the stretched state (i.e., in a flat state before forming the concavo-convex structure) is the second nonwoven fabric layer 3 It is formed of a nonwoven fabric that is longer than the length in the second direction (D 2 ) in the second direction (D ₂ ), and the specific concavo-convex structure (20) described above is formed by using an arbitrary processing method (e.g., shaping processing under heating or non-heating, etc.) on this nonwoven fabric. ) is formed by giving. The provision of this specific uneven structure 20 may be performed before bonding to the second nonwoven fabric layer 3, or may be performed approximately simultaneously with bonding of the second nonwoven fabric layer 3.

The nonwoven fabric forming the first nonwoven layer is not particularly limited as long as it is a nonwoven fabric with a certain liquid permeability, and includes, for example, spunlace nonwoven fabric, through-air nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, point bond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, and combinations thereof. Any nonwoven fabric such as (for example, SMS nonwoven fabric, etc.) can be used. Among them, spunlace nonwoven fabric can be suitably used because it has excellent flexibility and the like.

In addition, the fibers constituting the first non-woven fabric layer are not particularly limited as long as the first non-woven fabric layer has a predetermined liquid permeability, and any fiber can be used. However, in terms of liquid absorption and liquid retention, etc., hydrophilic fibers are used. It is desirable to use . Such hydrophilic fibers include, for example, cellulose fibers such as cotton and ground pulp; Regenerated cellulose fibers such as rayon and fibril rayon; Semi-synthetic cellulose fibers such as acetate and triacetate; Examples include thermoplastic resin fibers and composite fibers that have been subjected to hydrophilic treatment. Among these, it is preferable to use cellulose-based fibers such as cellulose fibers, regenerated cellulose fibers, and semi-synthetic cellulose fibers because they are excellent in liquid absorption, liquid retention, flexibility, touch, etc., and in particular, cotton, rayon, or a mixture of these. It is preferable to use fiber.

In addition, in cases where the absorbent article is separately provided with an intermediate sheet or absorbent body capable of absorbing and retaining excretions such as urine, or when the amount of excretion is assumed to be small, the first nonwoven fabric layer is made of the above-described layer. In addition to hydrophilic fibers, polyolefin-based fibers such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP); Polyester-based fibers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET); It may contain hydrophobic thermoplastic resin fibers such as heat-sealable fibers. When the first nonwoven fabric layer contains such thermoplastic resin fibers, their content is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that they are contained in a mass ratio of less than 50% by mass in terms of ensuring absorption performance above a certain level.

Additionally, the basis weight of the first nonwoven fabric layer is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the effect of the present invention, and any basis weight that takes into account liquid absorption, liquid retention, cushioning, flexibility, etc. can be adopted. Such basis weights include, for example, those in the range of 5 g/m2 to 60 g/m2, and are preferably in the range of 10 g/m2 to 50 g/m2. Additionally, basis weight can be measured according to 5.2 of JIS L 1906.

The thickness of the first non-woven fabric layer is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the effect of the present invention, and for example, a thickness within the range of 0.001 mm to 5.0 mm can be adopted, but liquid absorption, liquid retention, cushioning, flexibility, touch, etc. In this regard, it is preferably within the range of 0.01 mm to 3.0 mm, and more preferably within the range of 0.05 mm to 2.0 mm.

In the present invention, the first nonwoven fabric layer preferably has a thickness greater than the second nonwoven fabric layer. If the first non-woven fabric layer has a greater thickness than the second non-woven fabric layer, the first non-woven fabric layer can secure a restoring force against compression in the thickness direction of the convex portion, and thus higher cushioning performance can be achieved. In addition, when a nonwoven fabric having such a large recovery force of the convex ribs is used for the first nonwoven fabric layer, the end of the first nonwoven fabric layer is more likely to protrude outward in the planar direction than the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article, making the absorbent article more comfortable to wear. You can definitely get it.

Here, the thickness of the nonwoven fabric used in the first nonwoven fabric layer and the second nonwoven fabric layer, and various sheets such as the middle sheet and back sheet described later, is determined by measuring the thickness of the sheet to be measured from the sheet to be measured to a sample sheet of a predetermined size (e.g., 30 mm x 30 mm, etc.). is cut out, the cut sample sheet is set in an automated compression tester (model: KES FB-3A) manufactured by Catotech Co., Ltd., and the thickness when the pressure on the sample sheet by the measurement terminal of the tester is 49 Pa. It can be obtained by measuring (mm).

Additionally, in the present invention, it is preferable that the first nonwoven fabric layer has a greater restoring force than the second nonwoven fabric layer. If the first nonwoven fabric layer has a greater restoring force than the second nonwoven fabric layer, higher cushioning performance can be achieved as a surface sheet, and the end of the first nonwoven fabric layer protrudes outward in the planar direction from the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article. Because it becomes easier, you can more reliably obtain an excellent fit.

Here, the restoring force of the first nonwoven fabric layer and the second nonwoven fabric layer can be evaluated by the stiffness (mm) measured according to the “45° cantilever method” specified in JIS L 1096 “General fabric testing method”. For this stiffness, a strip-shaped sample of a predetermined size (e.g., 25 mm × 200 mm, or 25 mm × 140 mm, etc.) is cut from the non-woven fabric constituting the non-woven fabric layer to be evaluated for resilience, and the cut strip-shaped sample is measured by Co., Ltd. The cantilever stiffness manufactured by Daie Scientific Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd. can also be obtained by setting it in a test device (model: CAN-1MCA) and measuring it under predetermined measurement conditions (moving speed: 5 mm/sec). In addition, the bending degree is measured five times, and the average value is adopted as the bending degree (mm) for evaluating the restoring force.

In addition, the means for realizing the structural requirement that the first nonwoven fabric layer has a greater restoring force than the second nonwoven fabric layer is not particularly limited, and includes making the thickness of the first nonwoven fabric layer larger than the second nonwoven fabric layer as described above. In addition, the density, basis weight, constituent fibers, etc. of each nonwoven fabric layer may be adjusted so that the rigidity (strength) of the first nonwoven fabric layer is greater than that of the second nonwoven fabric layer.

In the above-described embodiment, the second non-woven fabric layer 3 constituting the liquid-permeable sheet is adjacent to the skin non-facing surface of the first non-woven fabric layer 2, and at least a portion of the concave groove portion of the first non-woven fabric layer 2 It is joined to the non-facing skin surface of (22) at the joint portion (7). In addition, the first nonwoven fabric layer 2 and the second nonwoven fabric layer 3 include, in addition to the joint portion 7, the first nonwoven fabric layer 2, the second nonwoven fabric layer 3, the middle sheet 5, and the backsheet ( They are also joined to each other at the embossed portion 8 that integrates 6).

And in this embodiment, the second nonwoven fabric layer 3 has a substantially flat structure and is formed of a nonwoven fabric with a predetermined liquid permeability. It is not an essential structural requirement for the absorbent article of the present invention for the second nonwoven fabric layer to have this generally flat structure, but if the second nonwoven fabric layer has this generally flat structure, a predetermined volume is formed inside the convex portion of the first nonwoven fabric layer. The above hollow portion is easy to form, and superior cushioning properties and flexibility can be provided to the liquid-permeable sheet, thereby providing an even better wearing comfort as an absorbent article. On the other hand, if the second nonwoven fabric layer has a structure that enters the hollow portion of the convex rib portion of the first nonwoven fabric layer or has a structure that buries the hollow portion, it is difficult for a gap to be formed between the first nonwoven fabric layer and the second nonwoven fabric layer, and the liquid-permeable sheet The transferability of the liquid from the skin facing side to the non-skin facing side becomes good.

The nonwoven fabric forming the second nonwoven layer is not particularly limited as long as it is a nonwoven fabric with a predetermined liquid permeability, for example, a tissue made of hydrophilic fibers, a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, a water-repellent nonwoven fabric, a spunlace nonwoven fabric similar to the above-described first nonwoven fabric layer, and air. Any nonwoven fabric may be used, such as through nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, point bond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, and combinations thereof (e.g., SMS nonwoven fabric, etc.). Among them, tissues made of hydrophilic fibers can be suitably used because they are excellent in liquid absorption, liquid retention, and flexibility.

In addition, the fibers constituting the second nonwoven fabric layer are not particularly limited and any fiber can be used as long as the second nonwoven fabric layer has a predetermined liquid permeability. However, in terms of liquid absorption and liquid retention, etc. It is preferable to use the same hydrophilic fiber as the nonwoven layer. Additionally, the second nonwoven fabric layer may contain thermoplastic resin fibers in addition to hydrophilic fibers, similar to the first nonwoven fabric layer described above.

The basis weight of the second nonwoven layer is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the effect of the present invention, and any basis weight considering liquid absorption, liquid retention, cushioning, flexibility, etc. can be adopted. Such basis weights include, for example, those in the range of 1 g/m2 to 50 g/m2, and are preferably in the range of 3 g/m2 to 40 g/m2.

The thickness of the second nonwoven fabric layer is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the effect of the present invention, and for example, a thickness within the range of 0.001 mm to 3.0 mm can be adopted, but it is subject to considerations such as liquid absorption, liquid retention, cushioning, and flexibility. It is preferably within the range of 0.01 mm to 2.0 mm, and more preferably within the range of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm.

[copula]

In the above-described embodiment, the panty liner 1 has a first non-woven fabric layer 2 (more specifically, a concave groove portion 22 of the first non-woven fabric layer 2), as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. ) and the second nonwoven fabric layer 3 are joined to each other at the joint 7 through an arbitrary adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive (not shown). In this way, when the first nonwoven fabric layer 2 and the second nonwoven fabric layer 3 are joined at the joint portion 7, it is difficult for misalignment or deformation between these layers to occur, so the absorbent performance and wearing comfort of the absorbent article are reduced. can be performed more stably. In addition, this joint portion 7, like the embossed portion 8, is an example of a “joint portion” in the present invention.

In addition, in the panty liner 1 of this embodiment, the first non-woven fabric layer 2 and the second non-woven fabric layer 3 are joined through an adhesive at the joint portion 7, while the outer periphery of the panty liner 1 Between the edge portion and the land seal portion, there is an adhesive-free region in which no adhesive exists. If the absorbent article has an adhesive-free area at this location, that is, between the outer peripheral portion of the absorbent article and the land seal portion, where the adhesive bonding the first non-woven layer and the second non-woven layer is not present, the absorbent article may adhere to the wearer's skin surface. In the vicinity of the outer periphery, which is easy to touch, the hardness of the joint due to the adhesive becomes difficult to be sensed by the wearer, making it more difficult to give a foreign body sensation to the wearer.

In the present invention, the arrangement pattern of the adhesive used for bonding the first nonwoven fabric layer and the second nonwoven fabric layer is not particularly limited, for example, a plurality of spiral types extending in the first direction and/or the second direction in plan view, Any arrangement pattern such as omega type, dashed line type, zigzag type, stripe type, or band type can be adopted.

Additionally, the placement area (range of placement) or amount (coating amount) of the adhesive is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the effect of the present invention, and any placement area or amount may be selected taking into account the desired flexibility, liquid permeability, etc. can be hired. In addition, the above-mentioned adhesive may be disposed on the skin-facing surface of the concave groove portion of the first non-woven fabric layer, or may be disposed on the skin-facing surface of the second non-woven fabric layer.

In addition, in the present invention, the means for joining the first nonwoven fabric layer and the second nonwoven fabric layer are not limited to the above-described adhesives, etc., but include, for example, pressing means such as heated or non-heated embossing, heat fusion means such as ultrasonic welding, etc. Any joining means can be used. For example, when the first non-woven fabric layer and the second non-woven fabric layer are joined by heat fusion means, the joined portion (fused portion) is difficult to be affected by decomposition or the like by excretions such as urine, so wetting by excretions such as urine Even during use, the joint condition of the joint can be maintained in good condition, and it becomes difficult for the absorbent article to become distorted. As a result, these absorbent articles can maintain a good fit even when wet.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the joint portion located most outwardly in the second direction D ₂ is formed by the embossed portion 8 disposed at a position away from the outer peripheral edge of the panty liner 1 inward. It is formed. The panty liner 1 is formed by an embossed portion 8 in which the joint portion located most outwardly in the second direction D ₂ is disposed at a position away from the outer periphery of the panty liner 1 inward. Therefore, the portion adjacent to the embossed portion 8 and the second direction D ₂ in the first nonwoven fabric layer 2, especially the outer portion (i.e., the end region A _E ) , it stands on the skin-facing surface side Da and is easily spaced apart from the outer periphery of the panty liner 1 (more specifically, the hard portion e ₁ at the outer periphery). And, since the end region A _E of the first nonwoven fabric layer 2 spaced apart from the outer peripheral portion of the panty liner 1 in this way can function like a cushioning material, the wearer's skin surface is It is more difficult to contact the outer periphery of the panty liner 1 through the protruding portion P _T of the nonwoven fabric layer 2, and it may be more difficult for the wearer to sense the hardness of the outer periphery of the panty liner 1. In addition, since the embossed portion 8 is disposed at a position away from the outer peripheral edge of the panty liner 1 toward the inner side, the skin surface such as the wearer's thigh or groin is exposed to the protruding portion of the first nonwoven fabric layer 2. Even if the outer peripheral portion of the panty liner 1 is indirectly contacted through (P _T ), there is no hard portion due to the embossed portion 8 in this outer peripheral portion, making it difficult to give the wearer a foreign body sensation. It is done.

[Emboss part]

Next, the embossing portion 8 will be described in detail.

As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the panty liner 1 according to the present embodiment has the outer periphery (i.e., width) at a position away from the outer periphery of the panty liner 1 in the planar direction in a plan view. It is disposed along the first outer peripheral portion (E ₁ ) located at both ends in the direction (W) and the second outer peripheral portion (E ₂ ) located at both ends in the longitudinal direction (L), and the surface sheet 4 ( A plurality of dot-shaped embossed portions 8 that integrate the liquid-permeable sheet), the middle sheet 5, and the back sheet 6 (liquid-impermeable sheet) in the thickness direction T of the panty liner 1. It is equipped with a round seal section. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the round seal portion has a plurality of dot-shaped emboss portions 8 arranged side by side to draw a predetermined shape. These plurality of dot-shaped embossed portions 8 are composed of the top sheet 4 (liquid-permeable sheet), middle sheet 5, and back sheet 6 (liquid-impermeable sheet), which are structural members of the panty liner 1. A laminate formed by overlapping and bonding in this order is adjusted to the skin-facing surface of the top sheet 4 and the skin-facing surface of the back sheet 6 using a heated or non-heated embossing means (for example, a pair of pressure rolls, etc.). It is formed by pressing the two opposing surfaces so that they face each other in the thickness direction (T). Therefore, this embossed portion 8 has a relatively higher density than other portions, and thus its hardness is also relatively hard. However, in the panty liner 1 according to the present embodiment, the round seal portion made of the above-described embossed portion 8 is disposed at a position away from the outer peripheral edge of the panty liner 1 inward in the planar direction, so the hardness It is difficult for the hard embossed portion 8 to come into contact with the wearer's skin surface such as the thigh or groin area, and it is difficult for the embossed portion 8 to cause a foreign body sensation to the wearer.

In addition, in the panty liner 1 according to the present embodiment, the round seal portion made of the above-described embossed portion 8 is the outer periphery of the panty liner 1 in plan view, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. It is placed along the entire length of the Yeonbu. Arranging the round seal portion along the entire outer periphery of the absorbent article in this way is not an essential structural requirement in the absorbent article of the present invention, and the round seal portion may be disposed so as to at least partially follow the outer periphery of the absorbent article. In terms of maintaining the shape of the absorbent article and preventing leakage of excrement, the round seal portion is preferably disposed continuously or intermittently along the entire outer peripheral portion of the absorbent article, as in the above-described embodiment.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the round seal portion consisting of the above-described emboss portion 8 has a plurality of dot-shaped emboss portions 8 arranged side by side to draw a predetermined shape. However, in the present invention, the round seal portion is The arrangement form of the embossed portion forming the portion is not particularly limited as long as it is disposed at a position away from the outer peripheral portion of the absorbent article toward the inward side of the planar direction, and the embossed portion may be any shape such as straight, curved, broken, zigzag, etc. It can be placed in the form of .

In addition, in the present embodiment, the individual embossed portions 8 forming the round seal portion have a substantially circular plan view shape, but in the present invention, the plan view shape of these individual embossed portions is not particularly limited, In addition to the circular shape as in the above-described embodiment, any shape such as an oval shape, a triangle shape, a square shape, a star shape, a straight shape, a broken line shape, or a geometric shape can be adopted.

Additionally, the size of each embossed portion forming the round seal portion is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the effect of the present invention, and any size is adopted considering the shape retention of the absorbent article, prevention of leakage of excrement, flexibility, etc. can do.

[Middle sheet]

In the panty liner 1 according to the present embodiment, the middle sheet 5 is connected to the top sheet 4 and the back sheet in the thickness direction T of the panty liner 1, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. It is arranged to be located between (6) and functions to provide various properties such as cushioning, strength, and absorbent performance to the panty liner (1).

In this embodiment, the middle sheet 5 extends between the second outer peripheral portions E ₂ located at each end of the panty liner 1 in the longitudinal direction L in a plan view, and forms a panty. It extends between the first outer peripheral portions (E ₁ ) located at each end of the liner (1) in the width direction (W), and has a vertically elongated external shape that is the same as the external shape of the panty liner (1). there is.

In addition, the intermediate sheet in the absorbent article of the present invention is not limited to this shape, and can be of any shape and size in plan view. Therefore, for example, the middle sheet having absorbent performance may be disposed only in the area corresponding to the area corresponding to the outlet of the absorbent article.

Additionally, in this embodiment, the middle sheet 5 is formed by bonding the skin-non-facing surface of the topsheet 4 (more specifically, the skin-non-facing surface of the second nonwoven fabric layer 3) with a hot melt type adhesive (as shown). However, the present invention is not limited to this type of bonding, and the middle sheet may be bonded to the top sheet by any bonding means such as heat fusion. For example, if the top sheet and the middle sheet are joined by heat fusion, the joined portion (fused portion) is less likely to be affected by decomposition or other influences due to excretions such as urine, making it difficult for the absorbent article to become distorted. As a result, these absorbent articles can maintain a good fit even when wet.

The sheet-like member constituting the middle sheet is not particularly limited, and any sheet-like member can be employed depending on the desired properties (e.g., cushioning properties, strength, absorbency, etc.). Sheet-like members that can be used as an intermediate sheet include, for example, hydrophobic nonwoven fabric and absorbent sheets. If the middle sheet is made of a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, even if the absorbent article (specifically, the top sheet or absorbent sheet of the absorbent article, etc.) absorbs liquid excretions such as urine and is wet, the absorbent article is difficult to twist, It becomes easier to maintain a good fit. On the other hand, if the middle sheet is made of an absorbent sheet, the middle sheet can absorb and retain liquid excrement that has passed through the top sheet without being completely absorbed by the top sheet, so that such excrement may not leak from the absorbent article or be removed. Wetting, etc. can be suppressed, and as a result, a good fit of the absorbent article can be provided to the wearer more reliably.

In addition, the intermediate sheet may be composed of a sheet-like member having a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure using only one of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric and the absorbent sheet, or may be composed of a sheet-like member having a laminated structure using a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric and an absorbent sheet in combination. good night. By appropriately adjusting the number of layers of the sheet-like member constituting the middle sheet, the wet strength, cushioning properties, absorbency, etc. of the absorbent article can be easily adjusted.

The hydrophobic nonwoven fabric that can be used as the intermediate sheet is not particularly limited as long as it has hydrophobicity, and for example, any nonwoven fabric such as an air-through nonwoven fabric or an airlaid nonwoven fabric can be used. The fibers constituting this hydrophobic nonwoven fabric are not particularly limited as long as they have hydrophobicity, and examples include polyolefin-based fibers such as PE and PP; Polyester-based fibers such as PET; Hydrophobic thermoplastic resin fibers such as various composite fibers such as core-sheath type composite fibers can be used, and may also contain heat-sealable fibers. If the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric contains heat-sealable fibers, the rigidity of the middle sheet increases (i.e., the middle sheet becomes difficult to twist) due to the fusion of the heat-sealable fibers in the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, so the good performance in the above-mentioned top sheet is achieved. It is easy to maintain cushioning properties and feel, and it is easier to ensure good wearing comfort as an absorbent article.

Additionally, the absorbent sheet that can be used as the middle sheet is not particularly limited as long as it can absorb and retain liquid excrement, and any absorbent material known in the art can be used. Examples of such absorbers include those in which an absorbent core made of an absorbent material is covered with a core wrap sheet such as a hydrophilic tissue. Examples of the absorbent material constituting the absorbent core include hydrophilic fibers and highly absorbent polymers, and more specifically, cellulose fibers such as ground pulp and cotton; Regenerated cellulose fibers such as rayon and fibril rayon; Semi-synthetic cellulose fibers such as acetate and triacetate; Granular materials made of highly absorbent polymers such as sodium acrylate copolymer; and those in which two or more of these types are arbitrarily combined.

Additionally, the basis weight of the middle sheet is not particularly limited, and any basis weight can be adopted considering desired strength, flexibility, cushioning properties, etc. Such basis weights include, for example, those in the range of 20 g/m2 to 200 g/m2, and are preferably in the range of 30 g/m2 to 100 g/m2. Additionally, when the intermediate sheet is made of a sheet-like member having a multi-layer structure, the total basis weight of each layer may be within the above-mentioned range.

In addition, the thickness of the intermediate sheet is not particularly limited, and for example, a thickness within the range of 0.01 mm to 8.0 mm can be adopted, but in terms of strength and flexibility, etc., it is preferably within the range of 0.05 mm to 5.0 mm, and further. Preferably it is within the range of 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm. Additionally, when the middle sheet is made of the hydrophobic laminated nonwoven fabric described above, the total thickness of each layer constituting the hydrophobic laminated nonwoven fabric may be within the range described above.

In addition, since the middle sheet is not an essential component in the absorbent article of the present invention, when the liquid absorption, liquid retention, strength, etc. of an absorbent article are secured by the top sheet, the absorbent article is made by taking flexibility, etc. into consideration. It can be configured with the middle sheet omitted.

[back sheet]

In the panty liner 1 according to the present embodiment, the back sheet 6 is disposed at a position on the skin-non-facing surface side Db of the panty liner 1, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, It is composed of a liquid-impermeable sheet that, while being breathable, prevents the penetration of excretions such as urine discharged from the wearer and prevents the excretions from leaking onto the wearer's clothing.

In this embodiment, the back sheet 6 extends between the second outer peripheral portions E ₂ located at each end of the panty liner 1 in the longitudinal direction L in a plan view, and forms a panty. It extends between the first outer peripheral portions (E ₁ ) located at each end of the liner (1) in the width direction (W), and has a vertically elongated external shape that is the same as the external shape of the panty liner (1). there is. In addition, the back sheet (liquid-impermeable sheet) in the absorbent article of the present invention is not limited to this shape, and can be of any shape and size in plan view.

Additionally, in this embodiment, the backsheet 6 is bonded to the skin-non-facing surface of the middle sheet 5 with a hot melt adhesive (not shown), but the present invention is not limited to this bonding form. The back sheet may be joined to the middle sheet (and the top sheet if the absorbent article does not have a middle sheet) by any bonding means such as heat fusion. For example, if the back sheet is joined to the middle sheet or top sheet by heat fusion, the joined portion (fused portion) is less susceptible to decomposition, etc. by excrement such as urine, and thus distortion, etc., occurs in the absorbent article. It gets difficult. As a result, these absorbent articles can maintain a good fit even when wet.

The liquid-impermeable sheet used as the back sheet is not particularly limited as long as it has a predetermined liquid impermeability, and includes, for example, a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, a breathable resin film such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or a nonwoven fabric bonded to the resin film. Any liquid-impermeable sheet, such as a laminate or a laminated nonwoven fabric such as SMS, can be used. Among these, it is preferable to use a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric in terms of liquid impermeability, flexibility, breathability, strength when wet (difficult to twist), etc. Here, the degree of hydrophobicity of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric is sufficient as long as it is hydrophobic enough not to absorb the dropped water when water is dropped on the surface of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, but it is difficult for excrements such as urine to leak, strength when wet, etc. In this regard, it is more preferable that the water is so hydrophobic (so-called water-repellent) that when water is dropped on the surface of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, the dropped water bounces off the surface of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric and forms water droplets.

The type of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric that can be used as the back sheet (liquid-impermeable sheet) is not particularly limited, and for example, any nonwoven fabric such as spunbond nonwoven fabric, point bond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, and SMS nonwoven fabric can be used. Among these nonwoven fabrics, it is preferable to use a nonwoven fabric containing an ultrafine fiber layer made of fibers with a fineness of 1 dtex or less, and it is more preferable to use an SMS nonwoven fabric.

Since the nonwoven fabric containing an ultrafine fiber layer has excellent breathability and liquid impermeability and has appropriate flexibility, using the nonwoven fabric containing such an ultrafine fiber layer as a backsheet can make the absorbent article more comfortable to wear. Additionally, 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.

In addition, SMS nonwoven fabric is a laminated nonwoven fabric composed of a three-layer structure of spunbond/meltblown/spunbond, and has both breathability and certain strength (difficult to twist) (especially due to the spunbond layer), and Since it is a non-woven fabric that can more effectively suppress the penetration of urine and other excrements (due to the meltblown layer, which is a fibrous layer), when used as a back sheet, it ensures excellent breathability and difficulty in twisting (especially difficulty in twisting when wet). , leakage of urine and other excrements can be more effectively suppressed.

In addition, the constituent fibers of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric that can be used as the backsheet are not particularly limited as long as they have hydrophobicity, and examples include polyolefin fibers such as PE and PP; Polyester-based fibers such as PET; Hydrophobic thermoplastic resin fibers such as various composite fibers such as core-sheath type composite fibers can be used.

Additionally, the basis weight of the backsheet is not particularly limited, and any basis weight that takes into account flexibility, breathability, liquid impermeability, strength, etc. can be adopted. Such basis weights include, for example, those within the range of 8 g/m2 to 60 g/m2, and are preferably within the range of 15 g/m2 to 50 g/m2.

The thickness of the back sheet is not particularly limited, and for example, a thickness within the range of 0.01 mm to 5.0 mm can be adopted, but from the viewpoint of flexibility, breathability, liquid impermeability, strength, etc., it is preferably within the range of 0.05 mm to 3.0 mm. am.

Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention, in which the extending direction of the convex portions and concave grooves of the surface sheet (liquid-permeable sheet) is different from the above-described embodiment, will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, since the configurations other than those different from the above-described embodiment are basically the same as the above-described embodiment, description is omitted.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a panty liner 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In the panty liner 10 according to this embodiment, the first nonwoven fabric layer 2 of the liquid-permeable sheet constituting the top sheet is in the thickness direction T of the panty liner 10, as shown in FIG. 4. A convex portion 21 that protrudes toward the skin-facing surface and extends continuously in the first direction D ₁ corresponding to the width direction W of the panty liner 10, and a skin ratio in the thickness direction T A concave groove 22 that is recessed toward the opposing surface and extends continuously in the first direction D ₁ is formed along a second direction D ₂ corresponding to the longitudinal direction L of the panty liner 10. It has an uneven structure 20 arranged alternately. Also, in this panty liner 10, the first nonwoven fabric layer 2 is oriented in the second direction D ₂ in the stretched state (i.e., the direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction L of the panty liner 10). It is made of a nonwoven fabric whose length is longer than the length of the second nonwoven fabric layer 3 in the second direction (D ₂ ).

Also, in this panty liner 10, the first nonwoven fabric layer 2 is not joined to the second nonwoven fabric layer 3 at the end of the first nonwoven fabric layer 2 in the second direction D ₂ . and is disposed to protrude outward from the outer periphery of the panty liner 10 in the second direction (D ₂ ) (i.e., the first outer periphery (E ₁ ) extending in the first direction (D ₁ )), The protruding portion of the first non-woven fabric layer 2 covers the hard portion at the outer periphery of the panty liner 10, making it easy to be sandwiched between the wearer's skin surface and the hard portion. Accordingly, even in the panty liner 10, it can be difficult for the wearer to sense the hardness of the outer peripheral portion of the panty liner 10 (i.e., the hardness of the hard portion in the first outer peripheral portion E ₁ ). Foreign body sensation caused by the hardness of the outer peripheral edge (specifically, foreign body sensation in the wearer's abdomen and back (buttocks) side where both ends in the longitudinal direction (L) of the panty liner 10 can come into contact) It is possible to make it difficult for the wearer to wear it, and as a result, the excellent wearing feeling exhibited by the liquid-permeable sheet having the above-described specific concavo-convex structure 20 can be maintained well.

Additionally, the present invention can be applied to various absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins and (light) incontinence pads, in addition to the panty liners of each embodiment described above. In addition, the absorbent article of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate combinations and changes can be made without departing from the purpose and spirit of the present invention. In addition, in this specification, ordinal numbers such as “1st” and “2nd” are used to distinguish the matters to which the ordinal numbers are assigned, and do not mean the order, priority, or importance of each matter.

1: Panty liner (an example of an absorbent article)
2: First nonwoven layer
20: Concavo-convex structure
21: Convex grandfather
22: Concave groove
23: Ministry of SMEs and Startups
24: end
3: Second nonwoven layer
4: Surface sheet (example of liquid-permeable sheet)
5: Middle sheet
6: Back sheet (example of liquid-impermeable sheet)
7: Joint (example of joint)
8: Embossed part (example of joint part)
10: Panty liner (an example of an absorbent article)
11: Release sheet
12: Adhesive part
A _E : End area
P _T: protruding part

Claims (7)

An absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable sheet in which a first non-woven fabric layer forming a skin-facing surface and a second non-woven fabric layer adjacent to the skin-non-facing surface of the first non-woven fabric layer are joined at a joint,
The first nonwoven fabric layer has a convex portion that protrudes toward the skin-facing surface side in the thickness direction of the absorbent article and extends continuously in the first direction, and is recessed in the thickness direction toward the skin-non-facing surface side and further includes the first non-woven fabric layer. Concave grooves extending continuously in one direction have a concave-convex structure alternately arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and some or all of the concave grooves are connected to the second nonwoven fabric layer at the joint. It is connected with
In addition, the first nonwoven fabric layer is a nonwoven fabric in which the length in the second direction in a flat state before forming the concavo-convex structure is longer than the length in the second direction of the second nonwoven fabric layer, and can form the convex portion. It consists of
An absorbent article in which an end portion of the first nonwoven fabric layer in the second direction is not bonded to the second nonwoven fabric layer and protrudes outward from the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article in the second direction. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the convex portion has a hollow internal structure. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the joint portion located most outward in the second direction is an embossed portion disposed at a position away from the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article inward. 3. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first nonwoven layer has a greater thickness than the second nonwoven layer. 3. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first nonwoven layer has a greater restoring force than the second nonwoven layer. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent article has a vertically elongated external shape with longitudinal and width directions perpendicular to each other, and the first direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the height of an end region in the first nonwoven fabric layer located on an outward side of the joint portion is smaller than the height of the convex portion.