WO2014192978A1

WO2014192978A1 - Absorbent article

Info

Publication number: WO2014192978A1
Application number: PCT/JP2014/066138
Authority: WO
Inventors: 有里今村; 和田　一郎
Original assignee: ユニ・チャーム株式会社
Priority date: 2013-06-24
Filing date: 2014-06-18
Publication date: 2014-12-04
Also published as: JP6232216B2; CN105451700B; CN105451700A; JP2015002948A

Abstract

An absorbent article has a thickness direction, a width direction, and a longitudinal direction. The absorbent article comprises: an absorbent core (11) which has a back-side section (11b), a crotch section (11m), and a belly-side section (11a) in the longitudinal direction, and absorbs urine; two conductive members (71p) which are each provided in the absorbent core (11) along the longitudinal direction, the conductive members (71p) being disposed side by side in the width direction with a space therebetween; and a connection unit (74) which electrically connects the conductive members (71p) to a detection unit (75) for detecting urination or evacuation on the basis of the energized states of the conductive members (71p). A portion located in the crotch section (11m) of the conductive member (71p) is covered with a covering member (72c) having lower conductivity than the conductive member (71p), and the conductive member (71p) has, in the position of the back-side section (11b), a portion that is exposed without being covered with the covering member (72c).

Description

Absorbent articles

The present invention relates to an absorbent article that is worn by a wearer and absorbs urine, and more particularly to an absorbent article that can detect urination and defecation.

Conventionally, disposable diapers have been used as absorbent articles that absorb urine. In addition, disposable diapers with a urine detection function that detect and notify urination are also available on the market.

Patent Document 1 discloses an example of the latter diaper 101a. FIG. 1A is a schematic plan view of a main part of the diaper 101a, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1A. The diaper 101a includes an absorbent core 111 made of pulp fiber or the like that absorbs urine, and a liquid-impermeable back sheet 131 that covers the absorbent core 111 from the non-skin side surface in the thickness direction. Moreover, between the absorptive core 111 and the back surface sheet 131, five long

electrical contacts

171, 171... Are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 101 a, and the

electrical contacts

171, 171. Each lead wire (covered copper wire) is electrically connected to an external device (not shown) outside the diaper 101a. The external device compares the impedances of the two

electrical contacts

171, 171 selected from these five

electrical contacts

171, 171... In this example, the size of the portion wetted by urine and the amount of water are estimated.

International Publication No. 2012-084924

By the way, in the diaper 101a of this patent document 1, each

electric contact

171, 171 ... is formed in the linear form along the width direction of the diaper 101a, that is, each

electric contact

171, 171 ... Each is provided across the absorbent core 111 in the width direction. *

Therefore, if the presence or absence of defecation is detected by the diaper 101a, the arrangement of the electrical contacts 171 with respect to the anus is as shown in FIG. 1A. That is, when the position where the anus should face in the absorbent core 111 is “anus facing position PA”, one

electrical contact

171, 171 is provided at each position on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the anus facing position PA. It will be provided one by one. In the following, these two

electrical contacts

171, 171 are referred to as

electrical contacts

171 a, 171 b in order to distinguish them from the other

electrical contacts

171, 171. When the

electrical contacts

171a and 171b are not in the conductive state, it is determined that there is no defecation, and in the conductive state, it is determined that there is a defecation.

However, the latter conductive state is formed by stool spreading and reaching each of the

electrical contacts

171a and 171b located on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the anus-facing position PA. In other words, if the stool does not reach at least the electrical contact 171b located on the end side (back side) in the longitudinal direction with respect to the anus-facing position PA, the stool is not in a conductive state and defecation cannot be detected. And since the position of this electrical contact 171a is located in the end side rather than the anus facing position PA, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the position of the electrical contact 171b is substantially the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core 111. This is the position of the end edge portion 111e.

However, with such an arrangement of the electrical contacts 171b, the defecation detection timing becomes relatively late, and as a result, there is a possibility that the diaper replacement will not be in time for the fecal leakage. For example, when the stool reaches the electrical contact 171b and the stool is detected, the stool has already reached almost the edge 111e of the absorbent core 111, so that sufficient time is required for changing the diaper. Otherwise, feces may leak. In that case, the defecation detection function does not make sense.

Moreover, from the viewpoint of wearing feeling (comfort) of the diaper 101a, the electrical contact 171 having the above-described configuration can also cause the following problems. That is, as described above, since each of the

electrical contacts

171, 171, etc. crosses the absorbent core 111 in the width direction, the electrical contact 171 exists in the center portion in the width direction. The flexibility of the central portion of the absorbent core 111 is hindered, and as a result, the wearer may feel uncomfortable when wearing the diaper 101a.

Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 1B, the electrical contact 171 is provided on the non-skin side in the thickness direction from the absorbent core 111, but from the viewpoint of improving defecation and urination detectability, the electrical contact 171 is absorbed. It is considered preferable to be provided on the skin side than the sex core 111. However, if it does so, the electrical contact 171 which crosses the absorptive core 111 in the width direction will partially cover the absorptive core 111 from the skin side. As a result, these

electrical contacts

171, 171. It may interfere with the penetration of urine into the sex core 111, that is, it may inhibit the absorption of urine.

The present invention has been made in view of the conventional problems as described above, and the purpose thereof is to prevent delay in detection of defecation, so that the absorbent article can be securely attached before stool leaks from the absorbent article. It is possible to exchange, to make it possible to reduce the uncomfortable feeling at the time of wearing due to the electrical contact provided in the absorbent article, and to suppress the inhibition of urine absorption caused by the electrical contact.

The main invention for achieving the above object is:
An absorbent article having a thickness direction, a width direction, and a longitudinal direction,
An absorptive core that has a dorsal part, a crotch part, and a ventral part with respect to the longitudinal direction, and absorbs urine;
A conductive member provided on the absorbent core along the longitudinal direction, the conductive member disposed side by side in the width direction with a gap between each other; and
A connection part for electrically connecting the conductive member to a detection part for detecting urination or defecation based on the energized state of the conductive member;
A portion of the conductive member located at the crotch portion is covered with a covering member having a conductivity lower than that of the conductive member, and the conductive member is positioned at the back side portion by the covering member. It is an absorbent article characterized by having a portion exposed without being coated.

Other features of the present invention will be clarified by the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

According to the present invention, by preventing delayed detection of defecation, the absorbent article can be surely replaced before stool leaks from the absorbent article, and the wear caused by the electrical contact provided in the absorbent article It is possible to reduce the sense of discomfort at the time, and furthermore, it is possible to suppress urine absorption inhibition caused by the electrical contact.

1A is a schematic plan view of a main part of a diaper 101a disclosed in Patent Document 1, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1A. 2A is a schematic plan view of the disposable diaper 101, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 2A. It is a schematic plan view of the state which unfolded the urine picking pad 1 as an absorbent article which concerns on 1st Embodiment on the plane. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 3, FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. It is the schematic plan view which looked at the urine picking pad 1 from the non-skin side. It is explanatory drawing of the excretion detection apparatus 70, Comprising: It is a schematic plan view of the urine picking pad 1 which removes and shows the surface sheet 21 and the side sheet | seat 41. FIG. 7A is a schematic view of an example of the conductive member 71p constituting the excrement detection sensor 71, and is an enlarged view of a VII portion in FIG. 6, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 7A. is there. It is a schematic plan view of the urine picking pad 1 of 2nd Embodiment which removes and shows the surface sheet 21 and the side sheet | seat 41. FIG.

At least the following matters will become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

An absorbent article having a thickness direction, a width direction, and a longitudinal direction,
An absorptive core that has a dorsal part, a crotch part, and a ventral part with respect to the longitudinal direction, and absorbs urine;
A conductive member provided on the absorbent core along the longitudinal direction, the conductive member disposed side by side in the width direction with a gap between each other; and
A connection part for electrically connecting the conductive member to a detection part for detecting urination or defecation based on the energized state of the conductive member;
A portion of the conductive member located at the crotch portion is covered with a covering member having a conductivity lower than that of the conductive member, and the conductive member is positioned at the back side portion by the covering member. It is an absorbent article characterized by having a portion exposed without being coated.

According to such an absorbent article, each of the two conductive members has a portion exposed without being covered by the covering member at the position of the back side of the absorbent core. Therefore, if the exposed parts are connected to each other by the stool discharged to the back side, the two conductive members are in an energized state, and thus defecation can be detected. Also, if the discharged urine reaches the dorsal side and the exposed parts are conducted by the urine, the two conductive members are in an energized state, thereby the urine dorsal side Arriving at can be detected.

Also, the two conductive members on the same back side are arranged side by side in the width direction with a space between each other. Therefore, the exposed portions of the two conductive members are also arranged side by side in the width direction with a space between each other. Thus, an anus-facing position can be set between these two exposed parts, whereby the exposed part can be positioned at substantially the same position as the anus-facing position in the longitudinal direction. it can. As a result, defecation can be detected without much delay from the time of defecation, whereby the absorbent article can be replaced before stool leaks from the longitudinal edge of the absorbent article.

Further, since the two conductive members are provided along the longitudinal direction, the exposed portion corresponding to the electrical contact is also provided along the longitudinal direction, that is, the absorbent core is arranged in the width direction. It is not provided to cross the road. Therefore, the inhibition of the flexibility of the central portion of the absorbent core due to the exposed portion can be effectively suppressed, and as a result, the uncomfortable feeling that the wearer can learn when wearing the absorbent article can be suppressed.

In addition, as described above, since the exposed portion is not provided so as to cross the absorbent core in the width direction, the inhibition of urine absorption to the absorbent core due to the exposed portion is also effective. To be suppressed.

Such an absorbent article,
The conductive member preferably has a portion exposed without being covered with the covering member also at the position of the ventral side portion.

According to such an absorbent article, based on two conductive members, not only detection of defecation on the back side and detection of arrival of urine on the back side, but also arrival of urine on the abdominal side Can also be detected. That is, if the discharged urine reaches the ventral part and the exposed parts of the ventral part are conducted by the urine, the two conductive members are energized. Can be detected at the ventral side. Therefore, before the urine leaks out from the back side and the abdominal side, the absorbent article can be quickly replaced.

Such an absorbent article,
The two conductive members are arranged so as to sandwich the anus-facing position that the wearer's anus should face in the absorbent core from both sides in the width direction,
The exposed portion of the conductive member at the back side portion has a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction;
It is desirable that the exposed portion is disposed so as to straddle the anus-facing position in the longitudinal direction.

According to such an absorbent article, the exposed portion related to the conductive member can be reliably positioned at substantially the same position as the anus-facing position with respect to the position in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, defecation can be detected without much delay from the time of defecation, and this makes it possible to reliably replace the absorbent article before the stool leaks from the edge in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article.

Such an absorbent article,
The conductive member is based on a flexible strip-shaped sheet member provided along the longitudinal direction,
Conductivity of higher conductivity than that of the covering member is obtained by continuously applying a conductive ink along the longitudinal direction to the surface of the belt-shaped sheet member facing the skin side in the thickness direction. Is provided to the belt-like sheet member,
The covering member preferably covers the conductive ink of the belt-like sheet member from the thickness direction.

According to such an absorbent article, the conductive member has flexibility due to the flexibility of the belt-like sheet member as the base material. Therefore, the inhibition of the flexibility of the absorbent core due to the conductive member can be effectively suppressed, and as a result, the uncomfortable feeling that the wearer can learn when wearing the absorbent article can be suppressed.

Such an absorbent article,
The absorbent core is covered with a liquid-permeable surface sheet from the skin side in the thickness direction,
It is desirable that the conductive member is interposed between the top sheet and the absorbent core.

According to such an absorbent article, since the conductive member is positioned on the skin side with respect to the absorbent core, the detectability of urine and stool discharged to the absorbent core can be improved.

Such an absorbent article,
It is desirable that a mark indicating the direction of the ventral side or the back side in the longitudinal direction is provided on a surface of the conductive member that faces the top sheet.

According to such an absorbent article, a caregiver or a wearer who sees the mark on the conductive member can easily recognize the abdominal side and the back side in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article. Therefore, it is possible to attach the absorbent article without making a mistake between the ventral side and the back side.

Such an absorbent article,
The exposed portion of the conductive member is preferably provided in a straight line along the longitudinal direction.

According to such an absorbent article, since the exposed portion of the conductive member is provided in a straight line along the longitudinal direction, it is provided so as to cross the absorbent core in the width direction. No. Therefore, the inhibition of the flexibility of the central portion of the absorbent core due to the exposed portion can be effectively suppressed, and as a result, the uncomfortable feeling that the wearer can learn when wearing the absorbent article can be suppressed.

Such an absorbent article,
The absorbent core is covered with a liquid-permeable surface sheet from the skin side in the thickness direction,
Of the surface sheet, the surface facing the skin side in the thickness direction is dented with a squeezed portion formed by squeezing both the surface sheet and the absorbent core from the skin side in the thickness direction. Formed,
It is desirable that the conductive member is disposed at a position where the compressed portion is not formed.

According to such an absorbent article, the conductive member is arranged avoiding the formation position of the compressed portion. Therefore, it is effectively prevented that the urine diffusing action or the absorbent core bending action to be performed by the pressing part is inhibited by the conductive member, and the pressing part can reliably perform the above-described action.

Such an absorbent article,
It is desirable that the connecting portion is arranged in a portion of the absorbent article on the end side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the abdominal side portion of the absorbent core.

According to such an absorbent article, the connecting portion is arranged in a portion on the end side in the longitudinal direction from the ventral side portion of the absorbent core in the absorbent article. Therefore, even if the wearer of such an absorbent article lies on his / her back, the wearer's back does not get on the connection part, and as a result, it is effectively prevented that the back is damaged by the connection part.

=== First Embodiment ===
The absorbent article according to the first embodiment is a urine absorption pad 1. The urine absorbing pad 1 is used by being attached to a disposable diaper 101.

2A is a schematic plan view of the disposable diaper 101, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 2A. 2A and 2B, the diaper 101 includes an absorbent core 111 made of a liquid absorbent material such as pulp fiber, and a liquid-permeable cover that covers the absorbent core 111 from the skin side in the thickness direction. It has a top sheet 121 and a liquid-impermeable back sheet 131 that covers the core 111 from the non-skin side. Moreover, the unfolded shape of the diaper 101 has a substantially hourglass shape having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction, as shown in FIG. 2A. That is, the central part of the longitudinal direction is constricted in the width direction. And the constricted part is applied to the wearer's crotch as a crotch part, the abdomen part in the longitudinal direction from the crotch part is applied to the wearer's lower abdomen as the front body, and the longitudinal direction from the crotch part. The dorsal portion is applied to the wearer's buttocks as the back body, and is thus worn on the lower body of the wearer.

Here, the urine absorbing pad 1 according to the first embodiment is placed and attached to the skin side surface of the top sheet 121 of the diaper 101. Then, when the wearer wears the diaper 101 as it is, the urine collecting pad 1 is attached to the lower body of the wearer together with the diaper 101. In some cases, the urine removing pad 1 may be placed in a state where it is placed on the diaper 101 with a non-skin adhesive portion made of hot melt adhesive or a male material of a hook-and-loop fastener provided on the non-skin side surface of the urine removing pad 1. May be fixed so as not to move relative to each other.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which the urine collecting pad 1 is developed on a plane. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 3, FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the urine collecting pad 1 has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction as three directions orthogonal to each other. And the planar shape prescribed | regulated by the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the urine picking pad 1 has comprised the substantially hourglass shape as an example of vertically long shape. In other words, a substantially central position in the longitudinal direction is constricted in the width direction.

In the following, regarding the thickness direction, the side in contact with the human body is also referred to as “skin side”, and the side in contact with the underwear is also referred to as “non-skin side”. The longitudinal direction is also referred to as “front-rear direction”, and the width direction is also referred to as “left-right direction”. At the time of mounting on the human body, the front side of the urine collecting pad 1 in the longitudinal direction faces the ventral side of the human body, and the rear side faces the back side of the human body. Moreover, the dimension of the longitudinal direction of the urine picking pad 1 is longer than the dimension of the width direction, and the dimension of the width direction is longer than the dimension of the thickness direction.

<<< Basic configuration of urine removing pad 1 >>>
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4B, the urine absorbing pad 1 has a main body 1s that is attached to the diaper 101 during use. The main body 1s includes an absorbent core 11 made of a liquid absorbent material that absorbs urine, a liquid-permeable surface sheet 21 that covers the absorbent core 11 from the skin side in the thickness direction, and a non-core core 11. A liquid-impermeable back sheet 31 covering from the skin side.

The absorbent core 11 is, for example, a mixture of liquid absorbent fibers and liquid absorbent granular materials mixed at a predetermined blending ratio as two types of liquid absorbent materials in a substantially hourglass shape in plan view as an example of a predetermined shape. Molded. That is, the absorbent core 11 has a shape in which a substantially central position in the longitudinal direction is constricted in the width direction. The constricted portion is applied to the wearer's crotch as the crotch portion 11m of the absorbent core 11, and the front portion 11a in the longitudinal direction of the crotch portion 11m is the ventral portion 11a of the absorbent core 11. The portion 11b on the rear side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the lower crotch portion 11m is applied to the wearer's buttocks as the back side portion 11b of the absorbent core 11.

In this example, pulp fibers are used as the liquid absorbent fibers, and superabsorbent polymers (so-called SAP) are used as the liquid absorbent granules, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, the liquid absorbent material may include only one of liquid absorbent fibers and liquid absorbent granular materials, or in addition to the above two types of liquid absorbent material or in place of either of them. Another type of liquid absorbent material may be mixed.

Further, in this example, the absorbent core 11 is covered with the tissue paper 11t as a liquid permeable sheet, but may not be covered. Further, although not provided in this example, an appropriate non-woven fabric or tissue paper may be inserted as a liquid-permeable second sheet between the absorbent core 11 and the top sheet 21.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4B, the top sheet 21 receives urine excreted from the human body, promptly sucks it in the thickness direction, and leads it to the absorbent core 11, for example, a plane of the absorbent core 11. A substantially rectangular sheet larger than the shape is used. For example, a nonwoven fabric such as an air-through nonwoven fabric or a spunbond nonwoven fabric is used as the material of the surface sheet 21, and a thermoplastic resin fiber such as polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate is used as the constituent fiber of the nonwoven fabric. Moreover, the pressing part E formed by both pressing the surface sheet 21 and the absorptive core 11 together from the skin side of the thickness direction is formed on the skin side surface of the surface sheet 21, thereby the surface sheet 21. And the absorbent core 11 are joined and integrated.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic plan view of the urine absorbing pad 1 as seen from the non-skin side. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 4B, the back sheet 31 is a leak-proof sheet 31 that prevents urine leakage from the non-skin side of the main body 1 s of the urine absorbing pad 1, and the planar shape thereof is the absorbent core 11. Larger hourglass shape. That is, the outer peripheral edge protrudes outward from the absorbent core 11 over the entire circumference. Then, in a state where the absorbent core 11 is placed on the back surface sheet 31, the back surface sheet 31 is joined to the top sheet 21 by heat welding or the like at each end in the longitudinal direction and each end in the width direction, for example. The absorbent core 11 is held between the top sheet 21 and the top sheet 21. Note that the state in which the absorbent core 11 is held between the back sheet 31 and the top sheet 21 corresponds to the main body 1 s of the urine removing pad 1 described above. As a material of the back sheet 31, for example, a film made of a thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate is used.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4B, the body portion 1s of the urine collecting pad 1 is made to correspond to each end portion in the width direction of the absorbent core 11 for the purpose of preventing urine leakage to the end side in the width direction. A pair of leak-proof wall portions 40, 40 are provided. A pair of leak-proof wall parts 40 and 40 are formed by the

side sheets

41 and 41 which consist of SMS nonwoven fabric etc. which were water-repellent-treated, respectively. Each

side sheet

41, 41 is provided so as to cover each end portion in the width direction of the surface sheet 21 from the skin side along the longitudinal direction. And it fixes to the surface sheet 21 by the heat welding etc. in the position corresponding to each edge part of the width direction of the absorptive core 11, and, thereby, the base end part 41b is formed. Note that the portion 41f extending from the base end portion 41b to the substantially central side in the width direction is a free end portion 41f, that is, the portion 41f basically serves as the leak-proof wall portion 40. On the other hand, a portion 41 s extending from the base end portion 41 b to the end in the width direction reaches the end edge in the width direction of the urine collecting pad 1, and the portion is overlapped with the top sheet 21 or the back sheet 31. Then, at the same edge, it is joined to the top sheet 21 or the back sheet 31 by heat welding or the like.

Here, an elastic member 45 such as a thread rubber along the longitudinal direction is fixed to the free end portion 41f by a hot melt adhesive in an extended state. Therefore, when the urine absorbing pad 1 is curved in the longitudinal direction so that the topsheet 21 side is the inner peripheral side, the elastic member 45 contracts in the longitudinal direction and the contracting force is applied to the free end portion 41f. The free end portion 41f contracts in the longitudinal direction and stands up from the surface sheet 21, whereby the free end portion 41f functions as the leak-proof wall portion 40. In the example of FIG. 4B, the free end portion 41f and the base end portion 41b are formed by folding two side sheets 41 by folding, and an elastic member 45 is inserted between the two free end portions 41f. However, it is not limited to this.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4C, the front end portion 41fa and the rear end portion 41fb of the free end portion 41f are hung on the top sheet 21, and hot melt adhesive or the like. Thus, the front end portion 41fa and the rear end portion 41fb are non-stand-up portions that do not stand up. Therefore, the contraction force of the elastic member 45 is selectively given only to the intermediate portion 41fm existing between the front end portion 41fa and the rear end portion 41fb of the free end portion 41f, and the intermediate portion 41fm is It shrink | contracts and it stands up as the leak-proof wall part 40. FIG.

Although the basic configuration of the urine collecting pad 1 has been described above, the urine collecting pad 1 is provided with a waste detection function for detecting urination and defecation. Then, by detecting urination and defecation, the urine collection pad 1 can be quickly replaced before urine and stool leak from the urine collection pad 1. Hereinafter, this detection function will be described.

<<< Excretion detection function >>>
The excrement detection function is realized by providing the excretion detection device 70 to the urine collection pad 1. The detection device 70 is configured to detect urination and defecation based on an electric signal output from the excretion detection sensor 71 provided in the urine collection pad 1 and the urine collection pad 1 and output from the sensor 71. And a detection unit 75 for detection.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the excretion detection device 70 and is a schematic plan view of the urine removing pad 1 shown with the topsheet 21 and the sidesheet 41 removed. In FIG. 6, the tissue paper 11t covering the absorbent core 11 is not shown.

As shown in FIG. 6 and FIGS. 4A to 4C, the excrement detection sensor 71 has two long conductive layers arranged along the longitudinal direction between the skin side surface of the absorbent core 11 and the surface sheet 21.

Members

71p and 71p are provided. The two

conductive members

71p and 71p are arranged side by side in the width direction with a space between each other. For example, in the example of FIG. 4, the two

conductive members

71p and 71p are arranged so as to be line-symmetric with respect to the center line CLW in the width direction, and the

conductive members

71p and 71p are arranged in the longitudinal direction. It is arranged in a straight line along.

In addition, the rear end portion 71pb (corresponding to “the portion exposed without being covered with the covering member”) located on the back side portion 11b of the absorbent core 11 in the conductive member 71p is covered with the insulating covering member 72c. Although exposed without being covered, the portion 71pr other than the rear end portion 71pb is covered and insulated by the insulating covering member 72c, and the conductive member 71p further includes the ventral portion 11a of the absorbent core 11. In addition, the front portion in the longitudinal direction is electrically connected to the detection portion 75 via a connector 74 (corresponding to a connection portion). That is, the detection unit 75 includes a power source 75b and a tester 75t that measures the potential of the positive electrode of the power source 75b. The positive electrode of the power source is connected to one conductive member 71p, and the negative electrode is The other conductive member 71p is connected.

Therefore, when the portion 11p of the absorbent core 11 located between the rear end portions 71pb and 71pb of the two

conductive members

71p and 71p is not wet, the rear end portions 71pb and 71pb are electrically connected to each other. Since it is non-conductive, the measurement value of the tester 75t is approximately the potential value of the positive electrode of the power source 75b. However, in the wet state, the rear end portions 71pb and 71pb are electrically connected to each other, so that the measurement value of the tester 75t is substantially lowered to the potential value of the negative electrode. Here, the wet state of the portion 11p of the absorbent core 11 is brought about by stool discharged to the back side portion 11b or urine that has reached the back side portion 11b. Therefore, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of defecation to the back side portion 11b and the presence or absence of urine reaching the back side portion 11b based on the drop in the measured value of the tester 75t.

FIG. 7A is a schematic view of an example of the conductive member 71p constituting the excrement detection sensor 71, and is an enlarged view of a portion VII in FIG. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 7A.

The conductive member 71p is made of a strip-shaped sheet member 72s that is long in the longitudinal direction, flexible, and has a predetermined insulating property (low conductivity). The total length in the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped sheet member 72s is, for example, the same length as the total length in the longitudinal direction of the urine collecting pad 1, and the dimension in the width direction of the strip-shaped sheet member 72s is selected from the range of 4 mm to 12 mm. In the example, the width of the belt-like sheet member 72s is set to a constant width of 8 mm over the entire length, and the dimension in the thickness direction of the belt-like sheet member 72s is selected from a range of 10 μm to 50 μm, and in this example, 25 μm.

Then, the conductive ink is applied over the entire length of the skin side surface of the belt-like sheet member 72s along the longitudinal direction, thereby forming the conductive ink layer 72i. The conductive ink layer 72i imparts a predetermined conductivity (also referred to as electrical conductivity, the unit is (S / m)) to the belt-like sheet member 72s over the entire length in the longitudinal direction.

The dimension in the width direction of the conductive ink layer 72i is made smaller than the dimension in the width direction of the belt-like sheet member 72s. A non-existing region where the ink layer 72i does not exist is formed. In this example, the dimension in the width direction of the conductive ink layer 72i is selected from the range of 3 mm to 8 mm. In this example, the dimension is set to 3 mm. In this example, the above-mentioned non-existing region is formed with a dimension in the width direction of 2.5 mm. The basis weight (g / m ² ) of the conductive ink layer 72i is selected from a range of 10 to 30 (g / m ² ), for example, and in this example, 20 (g / m ² ).

Also, an insulating covering member 72c is provided on the skin side surface of the belt-like sheet member 72s so as to cover the skin side surface from the thickness direction together with the conductive ink layer 72i. That is, the insulating covering member 72c is provided so as to protrude in the width direction from both sides in the width direction of the conductive ink layer 72i so as to completely cover the conductive ink layer 72i. The conductivity is set to be significantly lower than that of the conductive ink layer 72i. Therefore, the portion of the conductive ink layer 72i covered with the covering member 72c is insulated. However, the rear end portion 71pb in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like sheet member 72c is not covered with the covering member 72c, and the conductive ink layer 72i is exposed at the rear end portion 71pb. It is not. Thus, the rear end portion 71pb of the conductive member 71p is in an exposed state that is not covered with the insulating covering member 72c as described above.

In addition, as a material of the strip-shaped sheet member 72s, a biaxially stretched film such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, polyimide, polyamideimide, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or the like can be used. In this example, a polypropylene film is used. However, it is not limited to the above. That is, any material having a lower conductivity than the conductive ink layer 72i can be used. However, desirably, the conductivity of the strip-shaped sheet member 72s is equal to or smaller than the conductivity of the insulating covering member 72c.

The conductive ink relating to the conductive ink layer 72i is prepared by kneading conductive powder, a fixing material (binder), a filler, and the like. Examples of the conductive powder include conductive metal powders such as silver, gold, copper, nickel, and aluminum, or conductive non-metallic powders such as carbon and graphite. In this example, conductive carbon and Graphite is used. Examples of the fixing material include polyvinyl chloride resin, polyacrylic resin, epoxy resin, and polyester resin. In this example, a polyester resin is used. The filler is a viscosity modifier that adjusts the viscosity at the time of application of the conductive ink, a dispersing agent that improves the applicability at the time of application, and specifically, is isophorone or anone. The conductive powder, the fixing material, and the filler are blended at a predetermined blending ratio (weight ratio). In this example, the blending ratio is 40:20:40. The conductive ink layer 72i is formed on the belt-like sheet member 72s by, for example, screen printing, direct gravure printing, flexographic printing, or the like.

Further, examples of the material for the insulating covering member 72c include silicon adhesives, hot-melt coating materials, and warisene. In this example, petrolatum having high insulating properties (low conductivity) is used. .

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 6, the two conductive members 71p are arranged so as to sandwich the anus-facing position PA that the wearer's anus should face in the absorbent core 11 from both sides in the width direction. The rear end portion 71pb of the conductive member 71p located on the back side portion 11b of the absorbent core 11 has a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction, and the rear end portion 71pb has the anus-facing position PA in the longitudinal direction. It is arranged to straddle. Therefore, at least a part of the rear end portion 71pb of the conductive member 71p is located at the same position as the anus facing position PA with respect to the position in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, defecation can be detected without much delay from the time of defecation, whereby the stool can be detected by the rear end edge 11eb in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core 11, and consequently the rear end edge in the longitudinal direction of the urine collecting pad 1. The urine collection pad 1 can be reliably replaced before leaking 1 eb from the section.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the rear end portions 71pb and 71pb of the two

conductive members

71p and 71p are respectively provided in a straight line along the longitudinal direction, that is, the rear end portion 71pb is absorbed. It is not provided so as to cross the sex core 11 in the width direction. Therefore, the inhibition of the flexibility of the central portion of the absorbent core 11 by the rear end portion 71pb can be effectively suppressed, and as a result, the uncomfortable feeling that the wearer can learn when wearing the urine absorbing pad 1 can be suppressed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, the rear end portions 71pb and 71pb of the two

conductive members

71p and 71p are interposed between the topsheet 21 and the absorbent core 11, respectively. That is, it is arranged on the skin side in the thickness direction from the absorbent core 11. Therefore, the detectability of stool and urine discharged toward the absorbent core 11 can be enhanced. However, if the rear end portion 71pb of the conductive member 71p is interposed between the topsheet 21 and the absorbent core 11 in this way, depending on the case, the skin side surface of the absorbent core 11 is caused by the rear end portion 71pb. It may be partially covered from the skin side, which may lead to inhibition of urine absorption into the absorbent core 11. However, in this example, the rear end portion 71pb of the conductive member 71p is not provided so as to cross the absorbent core 11 in the width direction. Provided in the department. Therefore, the absorption inhibition of the urine to the absorptive core 11 resulting from the rear end portion 71pb is also effectively suppressed.

Further, as described above, the pressing portions E and E formed by pressing the topsheet 21 and the absorbent core 11 together are formed on the skin side surface of the topsheet 21. Specifically, in this example, the crotch part 11m of the absorbent core 11 is formed with two groove-shaped compressed parts E, E along the longitudinal direction, arranged side by side in the width direction. And two electroconductive

members

71p and 71p are arrange | positioned here in the position of the edge side of the width direction rather than these two pressing parts E and E. As shown in FIG. That is, the two

conductive members

71p and 71p are arranged at positions where the compressed parts E and E are not formed.

Therefore, it is effectively prevented that the urine diffusion action or the bending action of the absorbent core 11 to be performed by the squeezing part E is inhibited by the conductive member 71p, and as a result, the squeezing part E ensures the above action. Can be played.

In addition, the mark which shows the direction of the back side which is the front side which is the stomach side of the urine-absorbing pad 1, or the back side which is the back side is desirably shown in the surface facing the surface sheet 21 among the electrically conductive members 71p. And good. And if it becomes like this, the caregiver or wearer who looked at the said mark can recognize easily the front side and rear side of the urine collection pad 1, and, as a result, the front side and the rear side are recognized. The urine collecting pad 1 can be attached to the diaper 101 without making a mistake.

=== Second Embodiment ===
FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of the urine absorbing pad 1 of the second embodiment. In FIG. 8, the top sheet 21 and the side sheet 41 are removed.

In the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 6, only the rear end portion 71pb of the conductive member 71p located on the back side portion 11b of the absorbent core 11 is not covered with the insulating covering member 72c. In this second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, not only the rear end portion 71pb but also the front end portion 71pa is exposed so as to be conductive. And this point is mainly different from the first embodiment, and the other points are almost the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following, this difference will be mainly described, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the second embodiment, the front end portion 71pa of the conductive member 71p is also exposed so as to be conductive without being covered with the insulating cover member 72c. The front end portion 71pa is located on the ventral side portion 11a of the absorbent core 11. Therefore, arrival of urine to the ventral part 11a can also be detected. That is, if the discharged urine reaches the ventral part 11a and the front ends 71pa and 71pa of the two

conductive members

71p and 71p located on the ventral part 11a are conducted by the urine, the two conductive The

members

71p and 71p are in an energized state, whereby it is possible to detect the arrival of urine on the ventral side 11a. Therefore, before the urine leaks from the back side portion 11b and the abdominal side portion 11a, the urine collecting pad 1 can be quickly replaced. Here, preferably, the rear side of the front end portion 71pa of the conductive member 71p shown in FIG. The position of the edge 71pae and the position of the edge 71pbe on the front side of the rear end 71pb of the conductive member 71p may be set as follows. That is, when the dimension in the longitudinal direction from the front edge 11ea of the absorbent core 11 to the rear edge 71pae of the front end 71pa is La, the length L11 of the absorbent core 11 in the longitudinal direction is La. The ratio Ra divided by is preferably set to an arbitrary value of 0.22 to 0.36, and from the front edge 11ea of the absorbent core 11 to the front edge 71pbe of the rear end 71pb. When the dimension in the longitudinal direction is Lb, the ratio Rb obtained by dividing Lb by the total length L11 in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core 11 is preferably set to an arbitrary value of 0.78 to 0.86.

And if it sets in this way, in the state where there is no possibility of leaking out immediately from the absorptive core 11, when urine was moderately diffused in the absorptive core 11, it became the diffusion state concerned, It can detect based on conduction of front end part 71pa or rear end part 71pb of conductive member 71p. Therefore, the urine collecting pad 1 can be replaced before the urine leaks from the core 11 while the urine is absorbed by the core 11 to a level close to the absorbable capacity of the absorbent core 11, and as a result, The number of used urine collecting pads 1 can be greatly reduced.

=== About the manufacturing method of the urine removing pad 1 ===
The above-described urine collecting pad 1 is manufactured, for example, as follows by an appropriate manufacturing apparatus.

First, the absorptive core 11 is produced by the fiber stacking device. The fiber stacking apparatus includes, for example, a suction belt conveyor that conveys an object to be conveyed while adsorbing an upper surface as a conveying surface, and a rotating drum that is disposed above and rotates.

Rotating drum has a dent on the outer peripheral surface. Therefore, the above-mentioned absorptive core 11 is generated by laminating the liquid absorptive material sprinkled from an appropriate duct by adsorbing the dents on the outer peripheral surface. And the produced | generated absorptive core 11 is mounted on the upper surface of the continuous body of the tissue paper 11t conveyed with said suction belt conveyor, and is conveyed integrally with the continuous body of the tissue paper 11t. In addition, during this conveyance, the both ends of the width direction of the continuous body of the tissue paper 11t are wound up by an appropriate guide member, and the upper surface of the absorbent core 11 is covered by the both ends, thereby absorbing the absorbent. The core 11 is wrapped with a continuous body of tissue paper 11t. And it is sent to the rotary cutter apparatus downstream of the conveyance direction as it is.

The rotary cutter device has a pair of rotating rolls, and a cutter blade is provided on the outer peripheral surface of one of the rolls. Therefore, when passing through the rotary cutter device, the continuous body of tissue paper 11t that encloses the absorbent core 11 is divided at a position between the

absorbent cores

11 and 11 aligned in the transport direction. The sex core 11 is individually wrapped in a sheet-like tissue paper 11t. And this absorptive core 11 is sent to the downstream of a conveyance direction sequentially.

At a predetermined position on the downstream side in the transport direction, the continuous body of the excrement detection sensor 71, that is, the continuous body of the two

conductive members

71p and 71p merges from above the absorbent core 11 in a state of being aligned in the width direction. It is placed on the tissue paper 11t on the upper surface of the absorbent core 11 and adhered thereto. Such adhesion is performed by an adhesive applied in advance to a continuous body of two

conductive members

71p and 71p. Then, it is transported downstream in the transport direction.

At a predetermined position on the downstream side in the transport direction, the continuous body of the top sheet 21 in which the continuous body of the pair of side sheets 41 is assembled from above. That is, the continuous body of each side sheet 41 is fixed by thermal welding or the like on both sides in the width direction of the continuous body of the top sheet 21, and the continuous body of each side sheet 41 is already in an extended state.

Elastic members

45, 45... Are fixed. And the absorptive core 11 will be in the state covered by the continuous body of such a surface sheet 21 from upper direction. And after that, this absorptive core 11 and the surface sheet 21 are united and conveyed by the conveyance direction, and are sent to the embossing roll apparatus of the downstream of a conveyance direction by this.

The embossing roll device has, for example, a pair of rotating upper and lower rolls, and an outer peripheral surface of the upper roll is provided with a protrusion having a shape corresponding to the above-described pressing parts E and E. Therefore, when passing through the embossing roll device, the squeezed portions E and E are formed on both the continuous body of the topsheet 21 and the absorbent core 11 and further sent downstream in the transport direction.

In a predetermined position on the downstream side in the transport direction, the continuous body of the back sheet 31 joins from below. Then, by placing the continuous body of the top sheet 21 on the continuous body of the back sheet 31 via the absorbent core 11, the absorbent core is interposed between the continuous body of the top sheet 21 and the continuous body of the back sheet 31. 11 is inserted and sent to the downstream round seal device in this state.

The round seal device has, for example, a pair of rotating upper and lower rolls, and a protrusion having a shape corresponding to the contour shape of the urine collecting pad 1 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upper roll. Therefore, when passing through the round seal device, both the continuous body of the top sheet 21 and the continuous body of the back sheet 31 correspond to the end portions in the longitudinal direction and the end portions in the width direction of the urine collecting pad 1. They are joined to each other by heat welding or the like. As a result, a continuous body of the urine removing pad 1 is generated, and the continuous body of the urine collecting pad 1 is further sent to the die cutter device on the downstream side in the transport direction.

The die cutter device has a pair of rotating rolls, and one of the rolls has a punching blade having a shape corresponding to the contour shape of the urine removing pad 1 on the outer peripheral surface thereof. Therefore, when the continuous body of the urine removing pad 1 passes through the die cutter device, the urine absorbing pad 1 is individually punched out of the continuous body of the urine collecting pad 1 by the punching blade, and thereby the urine collecting pad is cut into a single sheet. Pad 1 is generated. Incidentally, when punched as described above, the continuum of the two

conductive members

71p and 71p, which are the continuum of the excretion detection sensor 71, is also divided for each urine collecting pad 1 by the punching blade.

=== Other Embodiments ===
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, said embodiment is for making an understanding of this invention easy, and is not for limiting and interpreting this invention. Further, the present invention can be changed or improved without departing from the gist thereof, and needless to say, the present invention includes equivalents thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

In the above-described embodiment, the urine collecting pad 1 is exemplified as the absorbent article, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, you may provide said excrement detection apparatus 70 with respect to a disposable diaper.

In the above-described embodiment, the two

conductive members

71p and 71p are inserted as the excretion detection sensor 71 between the topsheet 21 and the absorbent core 11, but the arrangement position of the conductive member 71p is anything. Not exclusively. For example, you may insert between the absorptive core 11 and the back surface sheet 31, and may be inserted in positions other than these. However, from the viewpoint of detectability of urine and stool, it is desirable to insert a conductive member 71p between the topsheet 21 and the absorbent core 11.

In the above-described embodiment, the conductive member 71p includes the strip-shaped sheet member 72s and the conductive ink layer 72i formed on the skin side surface, and the conductive ink layer 72i is covered with the insulating covering member 72c. However, it is not limited to this. For example, you may use the covered electric wire which coat | covers the outer periphery of a metal wire with a suitable insulating coating member like the vinyl coating copper wire as the electrically-conductive member 71p. In this case as well, the covered electric wire is disposed along the longitudinal direction, the rear end portion of the covered electric wire is located on the back side portion 11b of the absorbent core 11, and the covering of the rear end portion is peeled off to form a metal The line is exposed.

In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 6, the conductive member 71p is arranged in a straight line along the longitudinal direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, as long as the conductive member 71p is arranged along the longitudinal direction, the position in the width direction may slightly change depending on the position in the longitudinal direction. For example, it may be arranged extending in the longitudinal direction while slightly wavy in the waveform. In other words, the meaning of the phrase “the conductive member 71p is provided along the longitudinal direction” in this case means that “the extending direction of the conductive member 71p is within an angle range of less than 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction. In a narrow sense, it means that the direction in which the conductive member 71p extends is within an angle range of less than 30 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction. The direction in which 71p extends is within an angle range of less than 10 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

1 Urine pad (absorbent article), 1s body part,
11 Absorbent core,
11a ventral side, 11m crotch, 11b dorsal side,
11ea front edge, 11eb rear edge, 11p portion,
11t tissue paper,
21 Top sheet, 31 Back sheet,
40 leak-proof wall part, 41 side sheet, 41b base end part,
41f free end part, 41fa front end part, 41fb rear end part, 41fm middle part,
41s part,
45 elastic member,
70 excrement detection device, 71 excrement detection sensor, 71p conductive member,
71pa front end, 71pae rear edge,
71 pb rear end, 71 pbe front edge,
71pr A portion other than the rear end,
72 s strip-shaped sheet member, 72 i conductive ink layer, 72 c insulating coating member,
74 Connector (connection part),
75 detector, 75b power supply, 75t tester,
111 absorbent core, 121 top sheet, 131 back sheet,
E squeezing part, PA anal facing position, CLW center line,

Claims

An absorbent article having a thickness direction, a width direction, and a longitudinal direction,
An absorptive core that has a dorsal part, a crotch part, and a ventral part with respect to the longitudinal direction, and absorbs urine;
A conductive member provided on the absorbent core along the longitudinal direction, the conductive member disposed side by side in the width direction with a gap between each other; and
A connection part for electrically connecting the conductive member to a detection part for detecting urination or defecation based on the energized state of the conductive member;
A portion of the conductive member located at the crotch portion is covered with a covering member having a conductivity lower than that of the conductive member, and the conductive member is positioned at the back side portion by the covering member. An absorbent article characterized by having an exposed portion without being coated.
The absorbent article according to claim 1,
The absorptive article, wherein the conductive member has a portion exposed without being covered by the covering member also at the position of the ventral side portion.
The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2,
The two conductive members are arranged so as to sandwich the anus-facing position that the wearer's anus should face in the absorbent core from both sides in the width direction,
The exposed portion of the conductive member at the back side portion has a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction;
The absorbent article, wherein the exposed portion is disposed so as to straddle the anus-facing position in the longitudinal direction.
The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The conductive member is based on a flexible strip-shaped sheet member provided along the longitudinal direction,
Conductivity of higher conductivity than that of the covering member is obtained by continuously applying a conductive ink along the longitudinal direction to the surface of the belt-shaped sheet member facing the skin side in the thickness direction. Is provided to the belt-like sheet member,
The said covering member has covered the said conductive ink of the said strip | belt-shaped sheet member from the said thickness direction, The absorbent article characterized by the above-mentioned.
The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The absorbent core is covered with a liquid-permeable surface sheet from the skin side in the thickness direction,
The absorbent article, wherein the conductive member is interposed between the top sheet and the absorbent core.
The absorbent article according to claim 5,
The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein a mark that indicates a direction of the ventral side or the back side in the longitudinal direction is provided on a surface of the conductive member that faces the top sheet.
The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The said exposed part of the said electrically-conductive member is provided in the linear form along the said longitudinal direction, The absorbent article characterized by the above-mentioned.
The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The absorbent core is covered with a liquid-permeable surface sheet from the skin side in the thickness direction,
Of the surface sheet, the surface facing the skin side in the thickness direction is dented with a squeezed portion formed by squeezing both the surface sheet and the absorbent core from the skin side in the thickness direction. Formed,
The absorbent article, wherein the conductive member is disposed at a position where the compressed portion is not formed.
The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The said connection part is distribute | arranged to the part of the end side of the said longitudinal direction rather than the said stomach side part of the said absorbent core among the said absorbent articles, The absorbent article characterized by the above-mentioned.