WO2011071070A1

WO2011071070A1 - Absorbent article

Info

Publication number: WO2011071070A1
Application number: PCT/JP2010/071997
Authority: WO
Inventors: 達之山口; 隆弘加藤; 拓也幸田; 浩志丸山
Original assignee: 花王株式会社
Priority date: 2009-12-09
Filing date: 2010-12-08
Publication date: 2011-06-16
Also published as: TW201127350A; KR101595408B1; JP5685430B2; JP2011139897A; KR20120094092A; CN102740818B; CN102740818A; TWI513453B

Abstract

In view of the challenges specific to an absorbent article with leakage prevention grooves, the disclosed absorbent article seeks to mitigate the reduction in flexibility of the entire absorbent body engendered by the leakage prevention grooves and, while preventing the spread of liquid due to side leakage, to effectively use the absorbent core inside and outside of the leakage prevention grooves depending on the amount of excretion. The absorbent article is a hygienic napkin which has a liquid permeable front surface sheet disposed on the side of the surface contacting the skin, a liquid permeable rear surface sheet disposed on the side of the surface not contacting the skin, and an absorbent core disposed between the aforementioned two sheets. The aforementioned absorbent core has a length direction and a width direction orthogonal thereto. Said absorbent core has multiple separation gaps extending along the width direction thereof, and the aforementioned separation gaps of the aforementioned absorbent core are also formed along the length direction thereof. The aforementioned absorbent core is formed from a collection of horizontally and vertically independent small absorption units. Leakage prevention grooves are formed in said absorbent core extending in the length direction, traversing one or more of the aforementioned separation gaps, and compressed, along with the aforementioned front surface sheet, from the side of said front surface sheet.

Description

Absorbent articles

The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, and incontinence pants.

In recent years, the demand for absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins has increased, and the types and forms have diversified. Not only the absorption performance, but also a good appearance such as a feeling of wear and followability, and in some cases, cuteness is required. It is coming. In order to meet such needs, the materials and structures of the members constituting each absorbent article have been improved. Recently, various functional products have been proposed that are used according to the time of use and situation.

As a technique for improving the performance of the absorbent article as described above, a device in a form in which embossing is performed on the surface sheet or the absorbent body can be mentioned. For example, Patent Document 1 has a skin contact surface side surface material, a non-skin contact surface side back sheet, and an absorbent body interposed between both sheets, and the skin contact surface of the surface sheet Disclosed is a sanitary product that is embossed from the side into the absorbent body. The embossing serves as a leak-proof groove, whereby the top sheet and the absorbent body can be joined at the sanitary product central portion to suppress the deviation and to suppress the diffusion of the liquid.

Japanese Patent No. 3877702

However, considering further improvements, the embossed leak-proof groove applied to sanitary napkins and the like usually includes a thick absorbent core and the fibers are compressed, so that the rigidity is relatively high at that part. Cheap. This tends to reduce the fit of the sanitary napkin to the body. Furthermore, since the leak-proof groove shows a diffusion suppressing function, the details will be described later, but conversely, the absorbent core located outside the leak-proof groove may be difficult to use. If possible, it is desirable to effectively utilize the outer absorbent member while maintaining the above-described diffusion suppressing function.
In view of the above points, in view of solving the problems peculiar to an absorbent article having a leak-proof groove, the present invention alleviates a decrease in flexibility of the entire absorbent body due to the leak-proof groove, and causes liquid to cause side leakage. It is an object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article that can effectively utilize the inner and outer absorbent cores of the leak-proof groove to absorb and retain liquid according to the amount of excretion while preventing diffusion.

The above-mentioned problems include a liquid-permeable top sheet disposed on the skin contact surface side, a liquid-impermeable back sheet disposed on the non-skin contact surface side, and an absorptivity interposed between the two sheets. An absorbent article having a core, wherein the absorbent core has a longitudinal direction and a width direction orthogonal thereto, and the absorbent core has a plurality of spaced-apart portions extending along the width direction, The spaced-apart portion of the absorbent core is further formed along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core, and the absorbent core is formed of an assembly of small absorbent portions that are independent in the vertical and horizontal directions. The problem has been solved by an absorbent article in which the core is formed with a leak-proof groove that is squeezed from the surface sheet side together with the surface sheet that extends in the longitudinal direction across one or more of the spaced-apart portions.

The absorbent article of the present invention, in view of solving the problems peculiar to absorbent articles having a leak-proof groove, alleviates the decrease in flexibility of the entire absorbent body due to the leak-proof groove, and prevents liquid diffusion that causes side leakage. While preventing, the inside and outside absorptive cores of the leak-proof groove can be effectively used for absorbing and holding the liquid according to the amount of excretion, and there is an excellent effect.

It is the partially notched perspective view which showed the sanitary napkin as one Embodiment of the absorbent article in this invention from the skin contact surface direction. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing a predetermined cross section of the sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 1 in an enlarged manner, with the cross section taken along the line AA being (i), the cross section taken along the line BB being (ii), and C The cross section taken along the line -C is (iii). It is the partial top view which showed typically the transition state of the liquid when the absorber which concerns on this embodiment received excretion of the liquid, (a) shows the absorber which is not divided as a comparison, (B) shows the case where there is little excretion of the liquid in this embodiment, (c) shows the case where there is much excretion of the liquid in this embodiment. It is the top view which showed typically the relationship between the absorption part and leak-proof groove | channel as another embodiment (Embodiment 2) in this invention. It is the top view which showed typically the relationship between the absorption part and leak-proof groove | channel as another embodiment (Embodiment 3) in this invention. It is a side view which shows the measuring apparatus used for the bulk softness measurement in an Example and a comparative example, and its operation | movement. It is a side view which shows the measuring apparatus used for the absorber bending rigidity measurement in an Example and a comparative example, and its operation | movement. It is a partially notched perspective view which shows typically the sanitary napkin to which the conventional absorber used in the comparative example is applied.

FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a sanitary napkin as an embodiment of an absorbent article according to the present invention from the skin contact surface direction. 2 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the cross section taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 1, and a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the cross section taken along the line BB is (ii). A partial cross-sectional perspective view is (iii).

In the sanitary napkin 100 of the present embodiment, an absorbent core (absorbent body) 10 in which a plurality of absorbent portions 3 are surrounded by the surrounding sheet 2 is bonded and disposed on the skin contact surface side of the back sheet 7. Has been. Furthermore, the side sheet 8 is in contact with and joined to the back sheet 7 outside the left and right sides of the absorbent core 10 on the skin contact surface side of the back sheet 7. The surface sheet 1 is sandwiched between the back sheet 7 and the side sheet 8 at the portion where the back sheet 7 and the side sheet 8 are in contact, and the surface sheet 1 is further directed toward the inner side in the width direction (X direction). It is arranged so as to be positioned closer to the skin contact surface than 10. In the present embodiment, as described above, in the absorbent core 10, a large number of the absorbing portions 3 are encased in the surrounding sheet 2, but after the formed absorbing portion 3 is wrapped in the surrounding sheet 2, the absorbing portion 3 By compressing with the surrounding sheet 2, the absorbing portion is lightly crimped to the surrounding sheet so as not to be displaced. The peripheral seal g formed on the peripheral portion of the napkin outside the absorbent core 10 does not hinder the overall stretchability, and the top sheet 1, the back sheet 7 and the side sheets 8 to such an extent that the liquid once absorbed does not leak. Are joined by heat sealing or the like. The free end 81 of the side seat 8 is not joined except for the peripheral seal g, and a pocket (not shown) is formed from the free end 81 of the side seat to the peripheral seal g to prevent side leakage of liquid or the like. Have

In the present embodiment, a leak-proof groove 5 squeezed from the skin contact surface side of the topsheet 1 to the absorbing portion 3 is provided on the skin contact surface side of the sanitary napkin 100. The leak-proof grooves 5 are arranged on the left and right sides in the width direction around the excretory part in the longitudinal center portion P of the absorbent core 10, and the two leak-proof grooves approach the front and rear ends of the absorbent core 10, It gradually curves toward the center of the absorbent core 10, and the front end and the rear end coincide. In other words, the leak-proof groove 5 is arranged on the skin contact surface side of the sanitary napkin 100 continuously in an endless ring shape in plan view. Further, the shape of the leak-proof groove 5 is not particularly limited, and in the present embodiment, the leak-proof groove 5 is continuous in an endless annular shape with the front end and the rear end being coincident with each other, but intersecting each other at the front end and the rear end. It is preferable that it is appropriately determined according to the application. The excretory part is a part that directly receives excretion of menstrual blood or vaginal discharge and its vicinity.

Although details regarding materials, dimensions, and the like constituting the sanitary napkin of the present embodiment will be described later, in the present embodiment, the topsheet 1 quickly absorbs excreted body fluid and transmits it to the absorber, and the touch From the viewpoint of goodness, a hydrophilic air-through nonwoven fabric is used. Further, as the back sheet 7, a breathable moisture permeable film is used as a single layer. As the absorption part 3, what was comprised from the pulp fiber and the superabsorbent polymer is used. As the envelope sheet 2, a slightly water-soluble tissue that does not have elasticity is used. Further, an adhesive (not shown) for fixing the sanitary napkin 100 to the clothes is applied to the non-skin contact surface side of the back sheet 7. The sanitary napkin 10 is adhesively fixed to the user's clothes by the adhesive. The sanitary napkin 100 of this embodiment is arranged with its top sheet side facing the wearer's skin contact surface and its vertical direction from the lower abdomen to the buttocks, in other words, the width direction of the left and right feet. Wear it in the direction of the connecting line.

In the present invention, unless otherwise specified, the side in contact with the human body is referred to as the skin surface side or the skin contact surface side or the surface side, and the side in contact with the underwear is the non-skin surface side or the non-skin contact surface side or the back surface side. That's it. In addition, the direction positioned on the front side of the human body when worn is referred to as the front, and its end is referred to as the front end, and the direction positioned on the rear is referred to as the rear, and the end is referred to as the rear end. The normal direction of the front or back surface of the sanitary napkin is referred to as the thickness direction, and the amount is referred to as the thickness. Furthermore, a direction having a relatively long length in plan view of the sanitary napkin is referred to as a longitudinal direction, and a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction is referred to as a width direction. The longitudinal direction typically coincides with the front-rear direction of the human body when worn.

On the skin contact surface side of the sanitary napkin 100 in the present embodiment, a leak-proof groove 5 formed by embossing is provided. Moreover, the absorptive core 10 in the sanitary napkin 100 has the aggregate | assembly G (It does not show as the code | symbol in a figure) of the independent small absorption part 3. In FIG. Since the absorbent core 10 is the aggregate G of the small absorbent parts 3, the body conforms to the undulations of the skin surface, and also follows the wearer's movement well, and partially against the skin. “Following motion” that prevents the occurrence of a gap is extremely high, and details thereof will be described later. FIG. 2 (i) is a perspective view of the leak-proof groove 5 portion provided in the absorbing portion 3 in the present embodiment as seen from the cross section in the width direction.
The leak-proof groove 5 in the present embodiment is formed by squeezing by embossing, and joins the top sheet 1, the upper side 21 of the envelope sheet 2, and the absorbing portion 3, and functions to suppress the displacement of each member. On the other hand, the leak-proof groove 5 portion squeezed by embossing has a higher density between fibers in that portion, so that the capillary force is higher than other unsqueezed portions. Therefore, even if the liquid excreted in the center shifts outward so as to diffuse, the transition is blocked in the leak-proof groove 5 portion, and is kept inside the leak-proof groove 5 where the liquid is applied in an annular shape. It can prevent exuding to the outside. If a leak-proof groove that presses the entire absorbent body in the form as described above is attached, the rigidity of the product is usually increased at that portion, and it is difficult to deform along the undulation of the body, and the fit may be reduced. On the other hand, the sanitary napkin 100 according to the present embodiment has a flexible discharge region W shown in FIG. 2 (ii), and thereby can exhibit high flexibility in the leak-proof groove portion that tends to have high rigidity. .

The flexible discharge region W is formed in a region where a leak-proof groove 5 provided in the sanitary napkin 100 extending in the longitudinal direction and a separating portion m extending in the width direction where the absorbing portions 3 are separated from each other intersect each other. In the present invention, the separated portion of the absorbent core is a structure in which a part of the absorbent core is divided and there is a portion where there is no member in plan view, the main member portion is omitted, and a part thereof is continuous. Including meaning. In the present embodiment, each of the absorption portions is divided from each other, while the surrounding sheet continuously forms a separation portion m at the divided portion.
The separation part m is an area where the absorbing part 3 does not exist on the path of the leak-proof groove 5 extending in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core, and the joining part w ₁ where the back sheet 7 and the surrounding sheet 2 are in contact and joined. Is formed along the contour of the absorbing portion 3 and the non-joining portion w ₂ in which the absorbing portion 3 and the surrounding sheet 2 are in a non-joined state. In the flexible discharge region W, there is no thick member of the absorbent portion 3 in the portion compressed by embossing, and excessive consolidation due to compression does not occur, and as a result, an increase in rigidity is suppressed. Thereby, in the sanitary napkin 100 in the present embodiment, intermittent flexible regions are distributed in the leakage prevention groove extending in the longitudinal direction, which tends to be high in rigidity, and is divided at least in the width direction. This is preferable without significantly impairing the high fit characteristic of the absorbent core 10 having the separation part m.

The flexible discharge region W in the present embodiment further exhibits a specific liquid diffusibility. This point will be explained in detail below.
First, the state by the conventional embossing is demonstrated based on Fig.4 (a). In the figure, the direction o is outward in the width direction of the absorbent core, and the direction i is the central direction in the width direction (the excretory part direction). Moreover, what was shown with the dashed-dotted line has shown the spreading | diffusion area | region Q of the liquid excreted from the excretion part. The diffusion shape of the liquid is schematically shown and does not necessarily have the same shape as illustrated in the implementation of the present invention. There are many cases where the amount of excreted liquid is large or the use of the sanitary napkin is long. Although the effect of suppressing the diffusion of the liquid in the leak-proof groove 5 has been described above, in such a case, the excreted liquid remains inside the leak-proof groove surrounding the excretory portion in an annular manner, and the outer absorbent body is difficult to use, On the other hand, there may be a tendency to cause stuffiness or the like. Further, if the amount of excretion of body fluid is large at one time, the body fluid collected and retained by the leak-proof groove 5 extending in the longitudinal direction may be discharged at once as if the weir was broken. Then, if the amount is small, it is possible to absorb the body fluid that has flowed out by the absorption part located outside the leak-proof groove in the width direction. Fluid leaks over the absorbent. Such a situation becomes prominent when the body fluid absorbed and held in the central portion P of the absorbent core is squeezed out by the movement of the wearer's body, leading to side leakage that stains the underwear and clothes. .

On the other hand, the sanitary napkin of the present embodiment acts as follows and does not easily cause the above-described side leakage. In the sanitary napkin 100 according to the present embodiment, when the amount of liquid excreted is small, the liquid is absorbed by the capillary force of the compacted absorption part 32 in the portion where the leak-proof groove 5 exists as shown in FIG. Is prevented from diffusing outward, and side leakage due to transfer of excreted liquid from the absorption part 31 on the central part P side is prevented. This action is the same as that obtained by general embossing. On the other hand, when there is a relatively large amount of excreted liquid, a function that does not exist in the conventional one is exhibited, and as shown in FIG. A gentle liquid diffusion Q is performed outward from the groove 5. Specifically, as described above, even in the flexible discharge region W, there is a separation portion m on the path of the leak-proof groove 5, and even if there is overflowing liquid that cannot be absorbed by the inner absorption portion, liquid permeability A liquid flow S is generated using the flexible discharge region W part of which the surface sheet and the surrounding sheet form a wall as a flow path, and can be sucked by the outer absorption part 33 and transferred to the small amount little by little. The more flexible discharge region W has unbonded portion w ₂ of the members to each other, even the flow path in this part is ensured. In other words, the flexible discharge region W is moved in the saturated state of the absorption portion 31 inside the leak-proof groove 5 like a flow rate adjustment valve while shifting the liquid amount appropriately. The outer absorbing portion 33 can absorb and hold the liquid, and this portion can be used effectively. As a result, in this embodiment, even when a large amount of liquid is excreted at one time or when the liquid is squeezed out from the center due to the movement of the wearer's body, while maintaining a moderate dry feeling It has an excellent effect of preventing side leakage.

Further, in the present embodiment, the surrounding sheet 2 is a hydrophilic sheet, which further enhances the above-described liquid diffusion effect. That is, since it has a portion that is more hydrophilic than the top sheet 1 and at least has a high density, it is possible to quickly draw out discharged fluid such as menstrual blood from the top sheet 1 and transfer it to the absorption unit 3. Moreover, it is more preferable that the surrounding sheet 2 is a thin material that has a low resistance when passing through the liquid and that is easy to bend so that the separated portion m between the absorbing portions 3 can be easily bent. As a result, the absorbability of the sanitary napkin is further increased, and the flexibility of the entire absorbent body can be increased.

Here, the absorbent core 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. A large number of independent absorbent portions 3 are provided on the skin contact surface side of the non-stretchable non-skin-side surrounding sheet 22 with respect to each other in a natural state. They are arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions so as to have predetermined gaps d and e (see FIG. 1). In the absorbent body 10 of the present embodiment, the absorbing portions 3 are arranged in a staggered arrangement. In the present invention, the staggered arrangement means an arrangement in which the pitches of the absorbing portions in adjacent rows are shifted when a plurality of absorbing portion rows are arranged in parallel. In other words, this arrangement is an arrangement that does not coincide with the projected image of the adjacent absorber 3 when the absorber 3 in a predetermined row is projected in the orthogonal direction. This specific example will be described with reference to FIG. 1. Absorbing part rows A arranged in parallel with the absorbing part row B extending in the longitudinal direction (X direction) are adjacent to each other, and this is repeated alternately. Assume an auxiliary line t _b continuing in the direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the direction of extension of the central absorbent portion row B in the plan view of the absorber column B. On the other hand, assume the same auxiliary line t _a in the absorption unit column A. Such auxiliary lines t _a and the auxiliary line t _b is shifted by a half pitch from each other, i.e. distance between the auxiliary line t _a and the auxiliary line t _b constitutes a sequence has been staggered to equal throughout. As a modification of the present embodiment, for example, the absorption row portion A and the absorption portion row B are set in the width direction (Y direction) of the absorbent body by rotating the pitch shifting direction by 90 °, and in the longitudinal direction (X direction). Embodiment which gives a shift | offset | difference to the extended auxiliary line is mentioned. In addition, when the staggered arrangement is viewed as a masonry, it can be said to be a fabric, and examples of this variation include a twill weave, a yaha product, a turtle shell product, and the like.
The absorbing portion 3 has a rectangular shape that is long in the longitudinal direction in plan view, and has a rectangular shape that is long in the width direction in the cross section (see FIG. 2 (i)). This shape is not particularly limited, and any shape can be adopted. In this embodiment, the absorption part 3 is comprised from the pulp fiber and the superabsorbent polymer, The outline may not be a fixed shape like what was illustrated, and it shall be the thing of the solid shape mentioned above as a whole. It is preferable. Further, the vertical and horizontal arrangements of the absorbing portions 3 are not limited to the above, and are preferably determined appropriately according to the application.

The absorption part 3 has a rectangular shape which is long in the width direction in the cross section, and the area of the front surface 3a on the skin contact surface side and the area of the back surface 3b on the non-skin contact surface side are substantially the same. In the cross section, the side surface 3c is substantially orthogonal to the back surface 3b. Each absorber 3 is lightly bonded to the surrounding sheet so as not to be displaced.

Since the absorbent core 10 of the present embodiment is composed of a group of a large number of independent absorbent parts 3, the “body compatibility” that fits the undulations on the skin surface is significantly increased as compared to a normal large absorbent body. In addition, “movement following” is very good because it follows the movement of the wearer well and prevents a partial gap from occurring on the skin. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to achieve both such good deformability and good absorption and retention of liquid and the like that are not affected by the deformation.

The effect obtained by arranging a large number of the divided absorption parts 3 employed in the present embodiment on the non-skin-side surrounding sheet 22 in a specific arrangement will be described in more detail. First, it can be suitably adapted to a skin surface that bends extremely complicatedly. For example, when a sanitary napkin is stretched from the excretion point to the buttocks, it bends in the longitudinal direction along the roundness of the buttocks, but the included conventional absorbent body is generally much higher in rigidity than other members. You may buckle. In relation to this buckling deformation, the internal absorber is difficult to enter the crack, and a large gap may open here. That is, it is difficult to achieve both the buckling in the longitudinal direction and the bending in the width direction, and it is difficult to obtain a sufficient fit. Then, menstrual blood or the like easily migrates through the space that has been ruptured, which may cause leakage in the back direction at bedtime.
On the other hand, the sanitary napkin 100 to which the absorbent body of the present embodiment is applied is a so-called ridge shape or hyperbolic parabola that fits moderately into the crack while gently curving and adapting to the roundness of the buttocks. It deforms into a planar shape and fits with almost no gap in the crack. Thereby, the very favorable compatibility which contact | abuts almost without a gap from the excretion point vicinity to a buttocks is implement | achieved. And even when the wearer turns over or walks, it follows the movement of the skin surface, so that the gap is not opened and good fit is maintained.
In addition, since the sanitary napkin of the present embodiment has a very high shape restoring property, even if it is folded into three folds at the time of individual packaging, for example, it is difficult for folds to remain, and the above-mentioned good body fit from the beginning of wearing And followability can be obtained.

The size of the absorbent portion 3 according to the present embodiment is not particularly limited, but considering use in a sanitary napkin, the longitudinal length h ₁ (see FIG. 1) is 10 to 40 mm, although it varies somewhat depending on the sanitary napkin to be incorporated. Preferably, 15 to 20 mm is more preferable. The width direction length h ₂ is preferably 5 to 20 mm, and more preferably 10 to 15 mm. Further, the clearance gaps d and e are preferably 0.1 to 5.0 mm and 0.5 to 2.0 mm, respectively. Further, the shape and the like of the leak-proof groove 5 are not particularly limited, but considering the above-described good flexibility and liquid diffusibility, the thickness of the topsheet 1 is 0.5 mm or more except for the leak-proof groove 5 part. Preferably, the thickness u of the absorbing portion 3 (FIG. 2) is 2.0 mm or more except for the leakage preventing groove 5 portion. And it is preferable that it is compressed to 1.0 mm or less in 5 parts of the leak-proof groove. Further, the width h ₃ of the groove bottom of the leakage preventing groove is preferably 1.0 to 2.0 mm. In the present embodiment, the thickness other than the leak-proof groove 5 is an acrylic plate having a size of 37 mm × 37 mm and a thickness of 3 mm placed on the top sheet 1 or the absorbent core 10 and is a non-contact type laser displacement meter manufactured by KEYENCE. (Laser head product name: LK-G30, displacement meter, product name: LK-GD500). The thickness at the leakage prevention groove 5 part is directly measured with a non-contact type laser displacement meter manufactured by KEYENCE. Refers to the thickness.

FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing the relationship between the absorbing portion 3 and the leak-proof groove 5 as another embodiment (Embodiment 2) in the present invention. Except for the arrangement of the absorber 3, it is the same as the form shown in the first embodiment, the top sheet 1, the back sheet 7, the upper surrounding sheet 21 and the side sheet 8 are not shown, and the lower surrounding sheet 22 is Indicated by a one-dot chain line. In the present embodiment, the absorption unit 3 has a checkered arrangement that matches the adjacent absorption unit 3 when the absorption unit 3 is projected vertically and horizontally. That is, when a large number of absorbing portions are projected in the longitudinal direction and the width direction, the projected images overlap each other. In this way, longitudinally spaced portions m ₁ and the width direction separating portion m ₂ are aligned so as to penetrate in the longitudinal direction and the width direction, improved flexibility in the width direction and the longitudinal direction of the sanitary napkin, better A good fit. Moreover, since the excreted menstrual blood and the like are transmitted in the longitudinal direction separation part m ₁ and the width direction separation part m ₂ by transmitting the absorption part in a checkered arrangement, each product is transmitted in the longitudinal direction and the width direction. Even when the absorptivity in the absorbent part is reduced, the liquid can be guided to a different absorbent part, and the absorber can be utilized more effectively.

FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing the relationship between the absorbing portion 3 and the leakage preventing groove 5 as another embodiment (Embodiment 3) in the present invention. Except for the arrangement and shape of the absorber 3, the configuration is the same as that shown in the first embodiment. The top sheet 1, the back sheet 7, the upper surrounding sheet 21, and the side sheets 8 are not shown, and the lower surrounding sheet. 22 is indicated by a one-dot chain line. In the present embodiment, the absorbent portion 3 has a hexagonal shape extending in the longitudinal direction in a plan view, and has a honeycomb-like arrangement having a separating portion m between the hexagonal absorbent portions. That is, when a large number of absorbing portions are projected in the width direction, the projected images are arranged so as to overlap each other, and in this way, the longitudinally spaced portion m ₁ and the widthwise spaced portion m ₂ penetrate in the longitudinal direction and the width direction. And the flexibility of the sanitary napkin in the width direction and the longitudinal direction is improved, and a high fit can be obtained. Further, by forming the absorbent portion in a honeycomb arrangement, it is easy to induce shape deformation in an oblique direction other than the width direction and the longitudinal direction. In addition, since the absorber separation part is not a straight passage, even when a lot of liquid is excreted at one time or when a large amount of liquid is squeezed out from the center due to the movement of the wearer's body, The liquid flow is suppressed and side leakage can be prevented.

The constituent material of the absorbing portion 3 is not particularly limited, and a fiber material, a porous body, a combination thereof, or the like can be used. Examples of fiber materials include natural fibers such as wood pulp, cotton and hemp, polyolefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, single fibers made of synthetic resins such as polyvinyl alcohol resin, and these resins. A composite fiber containing two or more kinds, or a semi-synthetic fiber such as acetate or rayon can be used. When using a fiber made of a synthetic resin, the fiber may be a heat-shrinkable fiber whose shape changes with heat. For example, the fineness is increased by heat, but the fiber length is shortened, or the fineness is hardly changed, but the length occupied by the apparent fiber can be shortened by changing the shape to a coil shape. . As the porous body, sponge, non-woven fabric, aggregate of superabsorbent polymer (aggregate of superabsorbent polymer and fiber) and the like can be used.

As the enveloping sheet 2 to which the absorbing part 3 is fixed, one having a function of drawing and diffusing excreted liquid is used. That is, it is desirable that the envelope sheet 2 is more hydrophilic and has a higher density than the top sheet 1 from the viewpoint of quickly drawing menstrual blood or urine from the top sheet 1 and delivering it to the absorption part 3.

The top sheet 1 is preferably made of a material that is liquid permeable and soft against the skin. For example, a non-woven fabric made of natural fibers such as cotton or a non-woven fabric made of various synthetic fibers subjected to hydrophilic treatment can be used. The back sheet is preferably made of a liquid-impermeable sheet material. The back sheet 7 may be water vapor permeable as required. Specifically, in order to obtain sufficient water vapor permeability, a film made of synthetic resin such as polyethylene in which fine powder made of a filler such as calcium carbonate is dispersed is stretched and a porous film having fine holes is used. preferable. Examples of the side sheet 8 include a nonwoven fabric, a film sheet, and paper. From the viewpoint of leakage prevention, it is preferable that the side sheet 8 is formed of a liquid non-permeable or hardly permeable hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, a leakage-proof film sheet, or the like. One sheet may be used, or two or more sheets may be combined with a functional sheet.

The absorbent article of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the present invention can be applied to this type of absorbent article, for example, disposable diapers, incontinence pads, incontinence liners, and the like. Moreover, it is effective not only for menstrual blood but also urine, orimono, loose stool, and the like. In addition to the top sheet 1, the absorbing portion 3, the back sheet 7, and the side sheet 8, members may be appropriately incorporated depending on the application and function. In addition, the material of the top sheet 1 and the back sheet 7 of the sanitary napkin of the above embodiment, the conditions in the manufacturing method, and the dimensional terms of the product are not particularly limited, and various materials used in normal sanitary napkins and the like. The absorption part 3 can be referred to the matters described in the pamphlet of International Publication No. 09/081744.

The present invention is further described in detail based on the following examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not construed as being limited thereby.

Example 1
The absorbent core 10 shown in FIG. 1 and a sanitary napkin (test body 1) incorporating the same were produced as follows. As a surface sheet, a web obtained by carding a composite fiber consisting of a polyethylene terephthalate resin in the core layer and a polyethylene resin in the sheath layer in the upper layer and the fibers fused together by hot air, and a polyethylene resin and a polypropylene resin in the lower layer Place the web obtained by carding the heat-shrinkable fibers that have a side-by-side structure, integrate the two using a heat-sealing technique, and then apply the air-through nonwoven fabric obtained by processing with hot air. The basis weight was 74 g / m ² . For the enveloping sheet, a slightly water-soluble tissue (thin paper) was applied, and the basis weight was 16 g / m ² . The absorption part was composed of pulp fibers and a highly water-absorbing polymer, and each was molded to have the following dimensions. A non-moisture permeable polymer resin film was applied to the back sheet, and the basis weight was 27 g / m ² . For the side sheet, a water-repellent air-through nonwoven fabric was applied, and the basis weight was 20 g / m ² . The absorbent portion and the surrounding sheet are formed by transferring the formed absorbent portion onto the surrounding sheet, folding the surrounding sheet so as to wrap the absorbent portion, and then passing between the pair of press rolls to obtain 3.0 kgf / cm. By compressing with the pressure of ² , it crimped | bonded so that each absorption part might be fixed to a surrounding sheet.
<Dimensions>
h ₁ : 20 mm
h ₂ : 10 mm
h ₃ : 1.0 mm
e: 2.0 mm
d: 1.5 mm
u: 2.0 mm
Total length x width of napkin: 225mm x 97mm

(Comparative Example 1)
A sanitary napkin (test body c1) for comparison was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the absorbent core was an integral one that was not separated into the absorbent portion. At this time, the material and thickness t of the absorbent core and the overall dimensions were set to be the same as those of the test body 1. FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing the test body c1.

The following bulk softness measurement test and absorber bending stiffness measurement test were performed on the above test bodies 1 and c1. Moreover, the following absorption rate tests were conducted using only the absorbent cores of both specimens. The results are shown in Table B below.

From the above results, it can be seen that according to the present invention, high flexibility and high liquid absorption and liquid return are realized. Moreover, it turns out that the liquid flow which crosses this by the effect of a leak-proof groove can also be suppressed effectively.

<Bulk softness measurement test>
Using the apparatus shown in FIG. 6, the pressurizing unit 91 is pushed down, and the sanitary napkin specimen placed on the pedestal 92 is pressed. At this time, the sanitary napkin test body is rolled into a cylindrical shape and installed so that the portions corresponding to the upper and lower bottoms (leading curve portions) of the cylindrical napkin are in contact with the pressurizing unit 91 and the pedestal 92. The maximum load point at which the napkin buckles when pressure is applied from 100 mm to 60 mm was determined as bulk softness. Thereby, the load evaluation concerning a wearer's crotch part at the time of use of a sanitary napkin can be performed, and a very favorable wearing feeling is obtained as it is 400 gf or less.

<Absorber bending stiffness measurement test>
Using the apparatus shown in FIG. 7, the pressure plate 94 is pushed down, and the absorbent core test piece 900 placed on the pedestal 95 is pressed. The spacing distance R between the pedestals was 40 mm. The plate thickness of the pressure plate was 2 mm. As the test piece, an absorbent core was sandwiched between a top sheet and a back sheet, and each member was lightly bonded in consideration of the actual product. Other dimensions are as described in the above-mentioned examples and comparative examples. In the illustrated example, it is simplified as a rectangular shape in a side view, but the test body 1 of the present invention is a composite material composed of a large number of absorbing portions and an enveloping sheet. The dimensions of the test piece were rectangular with a length of 100 mm and a width of 75 mm in plan view. The pressing force (stress) when the pressure plate was pushed down by 8 mm was measured. The smaller this value, the better the flexibility performance in the product longitudinal direction when an actual product is obtained. When this value is 30 gf or less, a very good wearing feeling can be obtained.

<Liquid absorption rate measurement test>
Using a test piece similar to that used in the absorber bending rigidity test, 3 g of simulated blood (horse blood) was dropped from the surface sheet side. After dripping, it was visually confirmed that the blood penetrated into the internal absorbent core and disappeared from the surface sheet. The time at this time was measured for the first dropping and the second dropping. If this time is 6 seconds or less at the first time (3 g injection) and 15 seconds or less at the second time (further 3 g injection), a very good liquid absorbability can be obtained in the product.

<Liquid return amount measurement test>
Using a test piece similar to that used in the absorber bending rigidity test, 3 g of horse blood is injected using a liquid injection plate having an opening diameter of 10 mm in the liquid injection part. The time during which the liquid was absorbed from the napkin surface at this time was defined as the absorption rate of 3 g of horse blood. One minute after the liquid injection, a tissue having been weighed is placed on the napkin surface, and a 125 g metal plate is further placed on top of the tissue, and pressure is applied for 5 seconds (pressure 4.5 g / cm 2). taking measurement. Further, the amount of liquid adhering to the napkin contact surface of the injection plate was also measured, and the total value of both was taken as the surface liquid return amount when 3 g of horse blood was injected. Three minutes after the first injection, 3 g of horse blood was injected again, and one minute after the injection, the same operation was repeated to obtain the absorption rate and the amount of returned surface fluid at the time of 6 g of cumulative horse blood injection. The smaller the weight loss, the better the performance of suppressing liquid return. When this value is 120 mg or less, a very good dry feeling can be obtained when actually used as a product.

<Liquid flow prevention>
About sanitary napkin test bodies 1 and c1, 9 g of pseudo blood, which is an excessive amount as a daytime napkin, was supplied to the center of the sanitary napkin specimen 1 in a plan view. At this time, the state of the pseudo blood spreading in the width direction beyond the leak-proof groove was visually observed. For comparison, the wetting spread of the test piece c1 was A, and B was inferior to that but did not reach the peripheral seal part. C, which was significantly inferior and reached the peripheral seal g of the napkin. If the level (A) is the same as that of the test piece c1 for comparison, practically sufficient lateral leakage prevention properties can be obtained.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Top sheet 2 Surrounding sheet 3 Absorption part 5 Leak-proof groove 7 Back sheet 8 Side sheet g Perimeter seal 10 Absorbent core 20 Absorbent core (comparative example)
100 sanitary napkin 200 sanitary napkin (comparative example)

Claims

Absorption having a liquid-permeable top sheet disposed on the skin contact surface side, a liquid-impermeable back sheet disposed on the non-skin contact surface side, and an absorbent core interposed between the both sheets The absorbent core has a longitudinal direction and a width direction orthogonal thereto, and the absorbent core has a plurality of spaced-apart portions extending along the width direction. The spaced-apart portion is further formed along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core, and the absorbent core is formed of an aggregate of small absorbent portions that are independent in length and breadth, An absorbent article in which a leak-proof groove compressed from the surface sheet side is formed together with the surface sheet extending along the longitudinal direction across one or more of the sections.
As the leak-proof groove extending in the longitudinal direction on both the left and right sides of the absorbent core approaches the front and rear ends of the absorbent core, it gradually curves toward the central direction of the absorbent core, and the left and right leak-proof grooves The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the front end and the rear end coincide with each other, and the leakage preventing groove is continuous in an endless ring shape in a plan view.
The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a separation width of the separation portion of the absorbent core is 2 mm or less.
The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the aggregate of the absorbent portions is an aggregate arranged in a staggered manner in a plan view.
The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquid-permeable surface sheet has a thickness of 0.5 mm or more and is compressed to 0.3 mm or less in the leak-proof groove.
The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the absorbent core is disposed on a base sheet for fixing the absorbent core, and the base sheet has extensibility.