WO2023234196A1

WO2023234196A1 - Pant-type absorbent article

Info

Publication number: WO2023234196A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/019645
Authority: WO
Inventors: 祥平内田; 雅史北川
Original assignee: ユニ・チャーム株式会社
Priority date: 2022-06-01
Filing date: 2023-05-26
Publication date: 2023-12-07
Also published as: JP2023177094A

Abstract

Provided is a pant-type absorbent article (1) comprising an absorbent body (10), and an exterior member (20) that is provided further toward a non-skin side than the absorbent body (10) and is at least partially stretchable in the lateral direction. In a crotch part (CA), the absorbent body (10) has a crotch elastic region (50A) including an absorbent elastic member (50) that is provided in a central portion in the lateral direction and stretches in the longitudinal direction. A sheet member (21) that forms the exterior member (20) has, at least in a portion thereof, an aperture region (70A) including a plurality of apertures (70). When viewed in the thickness direction, the crotch elastic region (50A) and the aperture region (70A) have overlapping portions.

Description

Pants-type absorbent article

The present invention relates to a pants-type absorbent article.

Conventionally, in the crotch area of pants-type absorbent articles, an elastic member that expands and contracts along the longitudinal direction is provided at the center of the absorbent body in the width direction (short direction) in order to suppress the leakage of excrement fluid. A technique is known in which the absorbent body is easily fitted to an excretory opening (vaginal opening, etc.) by the contraction force of the elastic member. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a crotch elastic member provided along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body allows the absorbent body to fit the wearer's body and prevent bagginess in the crotch area. A pants-type diaper is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-61335

In a pants-type absorbent article including an elastic member in the crotch area as in Patent Document 1, the fit of the absorbent main body in the crotch area is improved, making it difficult for excretory fluids such as urine and menstrual blood to leak.
However, since the absorbent body tends to absorb excrement fluid near the wearer's excretion opening, the user may be concerned that the excrement fluid accumulated in the absorbent body will easily make the crotch region stuffy.

The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to improve the fit and absorbency of excrement fluid in the crotch region, while also preventing the crotch region from becoming stuffy due to the absorbed excrement fluid. An object of the present invention is to provide a pants-type absorbent article that does not cause a user to worry that the article will become loose.

The main invention for achieving the above object includes an absorbent body having a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a thickness direction that intersect with each other in the unfolded state, and having a liquid-absorbing absorbent body and a body that is disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent body. a pants-type absorbent article having an exterior member, at least a part of which is expandable and contractible in the lateral direction; a crotch elastic region including an absorbent elastic member that expands and contracts along the direction; an aperture region having a plurality of holes in at least a portion of the sheet member constituting the exterior member; The pants-type absorbent article is characterized in that the crotch elastic region and the aperture region overlap when viewed in the horizontal direction.
Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pants-type absorbent article that improves the fit and absorbency of excreta in the crotch area, and does not cause users to worry that the crotch area becomes easily stuffy due to absorbed excrement liquid. It is possible.

1 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration example of a napkin 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the unfolded and stretched napkin 1 viewed from the skin side in the thickness direction. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. FIG. 1 is a plan view and a sectional view of the absorbent main body 10. FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an opening 70 and a fused portion 80 provided in the non-skin side sheet 21. FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating the arrangement of a welded portion 90. FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the pants-shaped napkin 1 in a stretched state. 8A and 8B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the shape of the openings 70 formed in the non-skin side sheet 21 in the thickness direction. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a main body joining portion 18 that joins the absorbent main body 10 and the exterior member 20 in the thickness direction. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a back-side joint portion 19 that joins a back sheet 14 and a side sheet 15 in the thickness direction. It is a flowchart of each process in manufacturing the napkin 1. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a manufacturing apparatus 100 that manufactures napkins 1. FIG. It is a figure explaining the principle of stretching processing. 14 is an enlarged view of region K in FIG. 13. FIG.

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

(Aspect 1)
A liquid-absorbent absorbent body having a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, and a thickness direction that intersect with each other in the unfolded state; A pants-type absorbent article having a stretchable exterior member, wherein the absorbent main body includes an absorbent elastic member provided in the lateral center part in the crotch region and stretchable along the longitudinal direction. at least a part of the sheet member constituting the exterior member has an aperture region having a plurality of holes, and when viewed in the thickness direction, the inseam elasticity A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that the region and the aperture region overlap each other.

According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 1, the contraction force of the crotch elastic region improves the fit of the absorbent body near the excretion opening, and improves the absorbency of excretory fluids such as menstrual blood. Further, since the exterior member has an open hole area in a portion that overlaps with the crotch elastic area, it is easy to remind the user of good breathability. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from worrying that the crotch area becomes stuffy due to the absorbed excretory fluid.

(Aspect 2)
The absorbent main body includes an absorbent core and a liquid-impermeable and breathable breathable sheet member provided on a non-skin side of the absorbent core, and the absorbent body has an absorbent core and a liquid-impermeable and breathable sheet member provided on a non-skin side of the absorbent core, and The pants-type absorbent article according to aspect 1, wherein the aperture edge protrusion protrudes toward the skin side or the non-skin side in the thickness direction.

According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 2, the distance between the absorbent core or the breathable sheet member and the wearer's clothing is longer than when the aperture edge protrusion is not formed. When the excretory liquid evaporates as water vapor to the non-skin side, moisture condensation on the clothes and making the clothes wet can be easily suppressed. Therefore, even if the absorbent main body is deformed due to the wearer's body movements, the clothes are less likely to get wet and the user is less likely to feel uncomfortable.

(Aspect 3)
The pants-type absorbent article according to aspect 2, wherein the aperture edge protrusion protrudes toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction.

According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 3, the aperture edge protrusions are less likely to interfere with the skin-side sheet, and the protrusion height of the aperture edge protrusions in the thickness direction is easily maintained. Further, even if the hole edge protrusion is temporarily crushed, it easily returns to its original shape.

(Aspect 4)
The pants-type absorbent article according to aspect 2, wherein the aperture edge protrusion protrudes toward the skin side in the thickness direction.

According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 4, the non-skin side sheet and the skin side sheet easily come into contact via the aperture edge protrusions. Therefore, the transfer of moisture from the skin-side sheet side to the non-skin side sheet is promoted in the vicinity of the aperture edge protrusion, and moisture can be efficiently evaporated from the apertures to the non-skin side. This makes it difficult for moisture to accumulate on the skin side, making it easier to suppress stuffiness in the crotch area and the like.

(Aspect 5)
Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the absorbent main body has a linear compression section that compresses the absorbent main body in the thickness direction, and the longitudinal length of the linear compression section in the crotch area is longer than the lateral length. 4. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of 4.

According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 5, menstrual blood, etc. absorbed at the part of the absorbent core that comes into contact with the wearer's excretory opening in the crotch part of the absorbent core is spread vertically back and forth along the linear compressed part. This makes it easier for the excrement fluid to diffuse into the excretion port, and prevents the excrement fluid from being concentrated around the excretion port contact area. This makes it easier to suppress stuffiness and leakage of excrement in the crotch area.

(Aspect 6)
The exterior member includes a first sheet having the openings, and a second sheet that is laminated on the skin side of at least a portion of the first sheet and has elasticity in the lateral direction, and has the thickness Aspects 1 to 3, wherein a rear end portion of at least one of the absorbent elastic member and the linear compressed portion in the longitudinal direction overlaps with the first sheet and the second sheet when viewed in the direction 5. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of 5.

According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 6, when the excretory liquid such as menstrual blood absorbed by the absorbent core spreads back and forth and reaches the rear end, the first sheet and the The provision of the second sheet makes it difficult for excretory fluid to leak to the non-skin side. This prevents excretory fluid from leaking out from the rear side of the absorbent body, such as when the wearer is sleeping in a supine position.

(Aspect 7)
The pants-type absorbent article according to aspect 6, wherein the exterior member is constituted by one sheet of the first sheet in the crotch area.

According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 7, moisture such as menstrual blood passes through the first sheet (non-skin side sheet) and easily moves from the skin side to the non-skin side in the crotch area. In addition, the perforated area provided in the first sheet (non-skin side sheet) makes it easier for moisture to evaporate efficiently from the skin side to the non-skin side, further improving breathability in the crotch area and causing stuffiness. It can be made difficult.

(Aspect 8)
The linear compressed portion is formed by a plurality of individual compressed portions arranged intermittently, and the area of each of the openings is larger than the area of each of the individual compressed portions. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of the above.

According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 8, the larger the area of the opening, the larger the opening edge protrusion is likely to be formed. Therefore, compared to the opposite case, the distance between the breathable sheet member (backsheet) and the wearer's clothes is more likely to be secured, and the evaporation of moisture such as menstrual blood in the crotch area is more likely to be promoted. Thereby, it is possible to easily remind the user of good breathability.

(Aspect 9)
Aspects 1 to 7, wherein the linear compressed portion is formed by a plurality of individual compressed portions arranged intermittently, and the area of each of the openings is smaller than the area of each of the individual compressed portions. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of the above.

According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 9, the area of the apertures is relatively small, so the apertures are less visible than in the opposite case. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from having a negative impression that liquid such as menstrual blood easily leaks to the outside (non-skin side) from the opening in the crotch area.

(Aspect 10)
In a natural state, when viewed in the thickness direction, the area of each of the openings provided in a portion overlapping with the crotch elastic region is set in a portion laterally outside of the absorbent main body. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the area of each of the openings is smaller than the area of each of the openings.

According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 10, the apertures do not appear excessively large in the portion overlapping the crotch elastic region, so menstrual blood, etc. leaks from the apertures to the outside (non-skin side) around the vaginal opening. It is possible to make it difficult for the user to get the impression that the device is closed. On the other hand, in the area outside the absorbent body in the left and right direction, the openings are made to appear relatively large, giving the user the impression that the crotch area as a whole has sufficient breathability. I can do it.

(Aspect 11)
The absorbent main body has a pair of leak-proof wall parts on both sides in the horizontal direction, and the leak-proof wall part is provided with a leak-proof wall elastic member that expands and contracts in the vertical direction, and is in an expanded state. The value obtained by dividing the length of the absorber elastic member in the natural state by the length of the absorber elastic member in the natural state is the length of the leak-proof wall elastic member in the stretched state divided by the length of the leak-proof wall elastic member in the natural state. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, which is larger than the value divided by length.

According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 11, the absorbent main body contracts more easily in the longitudinal direction at the central portion (the elastic crotch region) than at both sides (leakproof wall portions) in the lateral direction. Therefore, the apertures tend to contract in the lateral central portion, making them difficult to appear excessively large, and the apertures appear relatively large on both outer sides in the lateral direction. This tends to give the user the impression that excretory fluid is difficult to leak around the excretion opening and that breathability is easily ensured in the crotch area as a whole.

(Aspect 12)
Aspects 1 to 11, further comprising a main body joining portion that joins the absorbent main body and the exterior member in the thickness direction, and the total area of the main body joining portion is larger than the total area of the openings. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of the above.

According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 12, since the main body joint portion is formed relatively large, the joint strength between the absorbent main body and the exterior member can be increased compared to the opposite case. Therefore, it is easy to prevent the exterior member from being torn due to the opening provided in the exterior member.

(Aspect 13)
Aspects 1 to 11, further comprising a main body joining portion that joins the absorbent main body and the exterior member in the thickness direction, and a total area of the main body joining portion is smaller than a total area of the openings. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of the above.

According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 13, the openings can be made larger and the number of openings provided per unit area can be increased compared to the reverse case. Therefore, the openings are more easily recognized, and the user is more likely to get the impression that there is good air permeability.

(Aspect 14)
The absorbent main body has a top sheet and a second sheet closer to the skin in the thickness direction than the absorbent core, and at least one of the top sheet and the second sheet is a sheet member having water-retentive fibers. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 13, which is.

According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 14, the sheet member with high water retention is arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent core, so that excreted fluid such as menstrual blood is disposed closer to the skin than the absorbent core. Since the absorbent core is more easily retained in the absorbent core, it is possible to reduce the amount of moisture that migrates from the absorbent core to the non-skin side.
This makes it easier to prevent leakage of excretory fluid when worn.

(Aspect 15)
The absorbent main body has a side sheet on the non-skin side of the breathable sheet member, and the absorbent elastic member is provided between the breathable sheet member and the side sheet in the thickness direction. 15. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 14, wherein the pants-type absorbent article has a portion where the breathable sheet member and the side sheet are not joined on the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the crotch elastic region.

According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 15, in the region where the breathable sheet member and the side sheet are not joined, a gap is likely to be formed between the two in the thickness direction, and a gap is likely to be formed between the breathable sheet member and the side sheet in the thickness direction. Moisture transfer is more likely to be suppressed. Therefore, when the wearer is in a supine sleeping position, leakage of excretory fluid can be easily suppressed in the vicinity of the buttocks on the rear side of the crotch elastic region.

(Aspect 16)
A pair of the linear compressed parts are provided at intervals in the lateral direction, and the absorbent main body has one or more sheet members on the non-skin side in the thickness direction than the absorbent core. , the number of the sheet members laminated on the non-skin side in the thickness direction of the absorbent core in the lateral inner region of the pair of linear compressed portions is equal to The pants according to any one of aspects 1 to 15, wherein the number of sheet members laminated on the non-skin side in the thickness direction of the absorbent core in the outer region in the lateral direction of the part is smaller than the number of sheet members laminated on the non-skin side in the thickness direction. Type absorbent article.

According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 16, moisture is less likely to transfer from the skin side to the non-skin side on both sides in the lateral direction compared to the central portion, and even when moisture transfers to the non-skin side. is less likely to leak outward laterally. Thereby, it is possible to easily suppress leakage of excretory fluid in the lateral direction, such as when the wearer is in a horizontal sleeping position.

===Embodiment===
As an example of a pants-type absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention, a shorts-type (pants-type) napkin (hereinafter also simply referred to as "napkin 1") will be described. Note that the pants-type absorbent article also includes pants-type diapers, pants-type absorbent pads, and the like.

<Basic structure of napkin 1>
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration example of a napkin 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the unfolded and stretched napkin 1 viewed from the skin side in the thickness direction. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

Note that the "stretched state" of the napkin 1 means that the entire napkin 1 (product Specifically, the napkin 1 is stretched until the dimensions of each member constituting the napkin 1 (for example, the exterior member 20 described below) match or are close to the dimensions of that member alone. It refers to the state of being

In the pants-shaped state shown in FIG. 1, the napkin 1 has a "vertical direction", a "lateral direction", and a "front-back direction" that are orthogonal to each other. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, it has a "thickness direction" which is the direction in which each member is laminated. In the vertical direction, when the wearer wears the napkin 1, the side that is on the torso side of the wearer is defined as the "upper side", and the side that is on the crotch side of the wearer as the "lower side". Also, in the front-back direction, the side that is on the ventral side of the wearer when worn is referred to as the "front side", and the side that is on the back side of the wearer as the "rear side". Furthermore, in the thickness direction, the side that contacts the wearer's skin when the wearer wears the napkin 1 is defined as the "skin side", and the opposite side is defined as the "non-skin side".

Furthermore, in the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2, the napkin 1 has a "vertical direction" and a "horizontal direction" that are orthogonal to each other. The "vertical direction" is a direction along the up and down direction of the pants type, and the "horizontal direction" is the direction along the left and right direction of the shorts type.

The napkin 1 of this embodiment includes an absorbent main body 10 that absorbs liquid such as urine, and is arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body 10, and is arranged around the wearer's waist when the napkin 1 is worn. An exterior member 20 is provided.

The napkin 1 includes an absorbent main body 10 that absorbs excretory fluid (liquid) such as menstrual blood, and is provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body 10, and is placed around the wearer's waist when the napkin 1 is worn. An exterior member 20 is provided.

(Absorbent main body 10)
FIG. 4 is a plan view and a sectional view of the absorbent main body 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the absorbent main body 10 of this embodiment has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, with the vertical direction (namely, the long side direction of the absorbent main body 10) along the vertical direction of the napkin 1. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the absorbent main body 10 includes an absorbent core 11 along the vertical direction (vertical direction), a top sheet 12 arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent core 11, A second sheet 13 disposed between the top sheet 12 and the absorbent core 11, a back sheet 14 disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11, and a side disposed on the non-skin side of the back sheet 14. It has a sheet 15.

The absorbent core 11 is a member that absorbs and retains liquid such as menstrual blood, and is formed of liquid-absorbing fibers such as pulp fibers, for example. Note that the absorbent core 11 may be made of pulp fiber mixed with super absorbent polymer (SAP). Further, the outer peripheral surface may be covered with a liquid-permeable sheet member (core wrap sheet 11b) such as tissue paper or nonwoven fabric.

The top sheet 12 is a liquid-permeable sheet member that can come into contact with the wearer's skin when worn, and is formed of, for example, hydrophilic air-through nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, or the like.

The second sheet 13 is a sheet member having substantially the same function and configuration as the top sheet 12, and is laminated on the non-skin side of the top sheet 12. Note that the second sheet 13 does not necessarily have to be provided in the absorbent main body 10.

The back sheet 14 is a liquid-impermeable and breathable sheet member (breathable sheet member) for suppressing liquids such as menstrual blood absorbed into the absorbent core 11 from leaking to the outside, and is made of, for example, resin. It is formed from a film or the like.

The side sheet 15 is a sheet member laminated on the non-skin side of the back sheet 14, and is made of, for example, a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric such as an SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) nonwoven fabric. Moreover, in this embodiment, the side sheet 15 forms a pair of leakage

prevention wall parts

30, 30.

A pair of leakage prevention wall portions 30 are provided on both sides of the absorbent main body 10 in the lateral direction (left-right direction), and are portions corresponding to so-called three-dimensional gathers. When the napkin 1 is worn, the leak-proof wall portions 30 stand up on the wearer's skin side on both sides of the absorbent body 10 in the left-right direction, thereby preventing excreted liquid such as menstrual blood from flowing down the wearer's skin. Leakage to the outside of the absorbent main body 10 in the left and right direction is suppressed.

In the present embodiment, as shown in the cross-sectional view in FIG. The absorbent core 11 is bent toward the skin side in the thickness direction, and the end portion 15t is arranged closer to the skin side than the absorbent core 11. In addition, at the end portion 15t, as shown in FIG. 4, the side sheets 15 are folded back and stacked in the thickness direction. A member 31 is provided extending in the vertical direction. When the napkin 1 is worn, the end portion 15t of the leak-proof wall portion 30 contracts in the vertical direction (vertical direction) based on the elasticity exhibited by the leak-proof wall elastic member 31, so that the absorbent body 10 is worn. This makes it easier to fit along the person's leg circumference.

Furthermore, the absorbent main body 10 is provided with a high-density portion 40 in which the density of the absorbent core 11 is higher than the surrounding portion. The high-density portion 40 is formed by compressing each member constituting the absorbent main body 10 in the thickness direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the high-density portion 40 in the napkin 1 is formed linearly by a plurality of dot-shaped individual compressed portions 41 arranged intermittently. Hereinafter, the high-density section 40 will also be referred to as the "linear compressed section 40." By providing such linear compressed portions 40 (high-density portions 40), the liquid absorbent fibers of the absorbent core 11 are prevented from coming apart and losing their shape. Furthermore, when the napkin 1 is worn, the linear compressed portion 40 serves as a bending point, making it easier for the absorbent core 11 to deform three-dimensionally according to the wearer's body shape, thereby fitting the wearer's body. It becomes easier.

Further, the absorbent main body 10 is provided with a plurality of absorbent elastic members 50 that expand and contract along the vertical direction (vertical direction). The absorbent elastic member 50 is formed of, for example, rubber thread, and is stretched in the longitudinal direction (specifically, between the back sheet 14 and the side sheet 15) at a predetermined elongation magnification on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11 (specifically, between the back sheet 14 and the side sheet 15). It is arranged in an extended state (in the vertical direction). In the napkin 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, four absorbent elastic members 50 are provided at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction. Here, the "stretching magnification" of the elastic member is a value obtained by dividing the length of the elastic member in the stretched state by the length of the elastic member in the natural state. Note that settings such as the arrangement, number, and elongation magnification of the absorbent elastic members 50 can be changed as appropriate.

Due to the elasticity exhibited by the absorbent elastic member 50, the absorbent main body 10 can be expanded and contracted in the vertical direction, so that the absorbent main body 10 fits the wearer's crotch region (crotch region) when wearing the napkin 1. The absorbency of excretory fluids such as menstrual blood can be increased. Hereinafter, the region where the absorbent elastic member 50 exhibits elasticity mainly in the crotch region will also be referred to as the "crotch elastic region 50A." In the napkin 1, the area surrounded by the four absorbent elastic members 50 (the area indicated by the diagonal line in FIG. 4) is the crotch elastic area 50A. Note that the crotch elastic region 50A may have a portion that overlaps with a region other than the crotch CA.

(Exterior member 20)
The exterior member 20 is a sheet member disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body 10, and includes a non-skin side sheet 21 and

skin side sheets

22 and 23. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the portion of the exterior member 20 that overlaps with the side joint portion 60 formed on the front side (the front side in the front-rear direction in FIG. 1) in the longitudinal direction is referred to as a “front waist portion FA”. . Similarly, a portion of the exterior member 20 that overlaps with the side joint portion 60 formed on the rear side (the rear side in the front-rear direction in FIG. 1) in the longitudinal direction is referred to as a "rear waistline portion BA." In the longitudinal direction, the portion between the rear end of the front waist part FA and the front end of the rear waist part BA is defined as the "crotch CA". The side joint portion 60 will be explained later.

The non-skin side sheet 21 is a non-stretchable sheet member disposed on the most non-skin side of the napkin 1, and is formed of, for example, spunbond nonwoven fabric, SMS nonwoven fabric, or the like. In this embodiment, the non-skin side sheet 21 has a shape that is tapered inward in the left-right direction at the crotch CA, as shown in FIG. Further, a plurality of openings 70 and fused portions 80 are discretely provided over the entire surface of the non-skin side sheet 21. FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the apertures 70 and the fused portions 80 provided in the non-skin side sheet 21.

The opening 70 is a through hole that penetrates the non-skin side sheet 21 in the thickness direction. In the napkin 1, the aperture 70 is a substantially circular aperture with a diameter φ70 of about 0.55 to 1.0 mm, and the distance p70 between the centers of two adjacent apertures 70 (that is, the aperture 70 They are arranged at a pitch of approximately 2.0 to 4.0 mm. In the non-skin side sheet 21, the area where these plurality of

openings

70, 70... are provided is also referred to as the "opening area 70A". In this embodiment, the aperture region 70A is formed over the entire non-skin side sheet 21, but the aperture region 70A may be formed in a part of the non-skin side sheet 21. The openings 70 are formed in an opening formation step (S102) in the manufacturing process of the napkin 1, which will be described later (see FIG. 11), and the size and arrangement of the openings 70 can be adjusted as appropriate.

The fusion part 80 is a part for forming the fibers into a sheet shape by joining the fibers constituting the non-skin side sheet 21 (nonwoven fabric) to each other, and in the manufacturing process of the nonwoven fabric, for example, It is formed by embossing a deposited fiber (web). By dispersing such fused portions 80, the non-skin side sheet 21 can maintain flexibility and ensure sufficient strength as a sheet member. In the napkin 1, the fused portion 80 has a rectangular shape with a side length of approximately 0.3 to 0.5 mm, and the distance between the centers of two adjacent fused

portions

80, 80 is p80 (that is, the fused portion The portions 80 are scattered at a pitch of approximately 1.0 to 2.0 mm. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the fused portions 80 are scattered throughout the opening area 70A in a substantially grid pattern.

The skin-side sheet 22 is a stretchable sheet member laminated on the skin side of the non-skin-side sheet 21 on the front side (ventral side) in the longitudinal direction, and exhibits stretchability along the left-right direction in the napkin 1. . The skin-side sheet 22 is formed of, for example, a stretchable nonwoven fabric. "Stretchable nonwoven fabric" is a nonwoven fabric that includes stretchable fibers that have stretchability and stretchable fibers that have lower contractility than the stretchable fibers, and has been subjected to an appropriate stretching process such as gear stretching. In the skin-side sheet 22 of this embodiment, fibers of polyurethane elastomer, which is a type of thermoplastic elastomer having elasticity, can be used as the stretchable fibers, and thermoplastic resin having inelasticity can be used as the stretchable fibers. It is possible to use fibers of polypropylene (PP), a type of polyolefin resin. The stretchable nonwoven fabric is formed in a stretching step (S103) in the manufacturing process of the napkin 1, which will be described later (see FIG. 11).

The skin-side sheet 23 is a stretchable sheet member laminated on the skin side of the non-skin-side sheet 21 on the rear side (dorsal side) in the longitudinal direction, and has the same configuration as the skin-side sheet 22. .

The skin-

side sheets

22 and 23 are joined to the non-skin-side sheet 21 by a plurality of welded portions 90 scattered therethrough, so that at least the front waistline portion FA and the rear waistline portion BA of the exterior member 20 are joined to each other in the left-right direction. Provides elasticity. In this embodiment, the welded portion 90 is formed using a known joining means such as ultrasonic welding.

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating the arrangement of the welded part 90. 6 shows a state in which the base sheets (non-skin side sheet 21 and skin side sheets 22, 23) constituting the exterior member 20 are joined in the thickness direction by the welded portion 90 in the unfolded and stretched state. . That is, FIG. 6 shows the exterior member 20 before cutting (indicated by broken lines in FIG. 6) for forming the leg opening 1b is performed. Furthermore, due to the manufacturing process, welded portions 90 are also formed in areas where the skin-

side sheets

22 and 23 and the non-skin-side sheets 21 are not laminated (for example, a part of the crotch area CA).

In FIG. 6, when the exterior member 20 in the unfolded and stretched state is viewed in the thickness direction, the area indicated by diagonal lines among the parts where the exterior member 20 and the absorbent main body 10 overlap is defined as an area Y, and the other areas are The area is defined as area X. In the napkin 1, the welded portion 90 formed in the region X and the welded portion 90 formed in the region Y are different in size and pattern. Specifically, the welded parts 92 formed in the region Y have a larger individual area than the welded parts 91 formed in the region X, and are formed more densely. That is, in region Y, the total area of welded parts 92 provided per unit area (hereinafter also referred to as "area ratio") is equal to the total area of welded parts 91 provided per unit area in region X (area ratio). ) is larger than

The larger the area ratio of the welded portion 90, the stronger the bonding strength between the skin-

side sheets

22, 23 and the non-skin-side sheet 21. Therefore, in the region X where the exterior member 20 (non-skin side sheet 21) contacts the skin of the wearer when the napkin 1 is worn, by reducing the area ratio of the welded portion 91, the rigidity of the exterior member 20 is low and deformation is prevented. more likely to occur. This prevents the exterior member 20 from becoming too hard to the touch, and allows it to fit easily to the wearer's body. On the other hand, in region Y, when the napkin 1 is worn, the absorbent body 10 is interposed between the exterior member 20 (non-skin side sheet 21) and the wearer's skin, and the exterior member 20 is in direct contact with the wearer's skin. It's difficult. Therefore, even if the area ratio of the welded portion 92 is increased as shown in FIG. can do.

Further, in the exterior member 20, a part of the non-skin side sheet 21 is folded back at the upper end in the vertical direction. In FIG. 3, the non-skin side sheet 21 has a folded part 21ff that is folded back at the lower side in the vertical direction (rear side in the longitudinal direction) and towards the skin side in the thickness direction at the front folding position FL20f. There is. At least a portion of the folded portion 21ff is joined to a sheet member (skin-side sheet 22 in FIG. 3) adjacent in the thickness direction using an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive. Further, a waist elastic member 25f extending in the lateral direction (left-right direction) may be provided between the folded portion 21ff and the sheet member (skin-side sheet 22) adjacent in the thickness direction. The waist elastic member 25f can be made of, for example, rubber thread, and is fixed to the exterior member 20 in a horizontally extended state. By laterally contracting the waist elastic member 25f, the fit of the waist opening 1a (described later) in the front waist portion FA of the napkin 1 is improved.

Similarly, in FIG. 3, the non-skin side sheet 21 has a folded part 21bf that is folded back to the lower side in the vertical direction (front side in the longitudinal direction) and to the skin side in the thickness direction at the rear folding position FL20b. have. Further, a waist elastic member 25b extending in the lateral direction (left-right direction) may be provided between the folded portion 21bf and the sheet member (skin-side sheet 23) adjacent in the thickness direction. The waist elastic member 25b improves the fit of the waist opening 1a (described later) in the rear waist portion BA of the napkin 1.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the pants-shaped napkin 1 in the stretched state. From the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2, the napkin 1 is folded at the center position CL in the longitudinal direction (indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 2), and the absorbent body 10 and exterior member 20 are folded in the longitudinal direction as shown in FIG. Folded in half. In the bi-folded state, the lateral both sides 20fe of the front waist portion FA and the lateral both sides 20be of the rear waist portion BA, which overlap in the front-rear direction of the exterior member 20, are joined by known joining means such as seal welding. A pair of side joints 60, 60 are formed. As a result, the folded exterior member 20 is connected in an annular manner between the front side (ventral side) and the rear side (dorsal side), and a torso opening 1a and a pair of leg openings 1b as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 are formed. The napkin 1 is formed into a pants-shaped napkin 1.

In the napkin 1, the side joint portion 60 is formed by a plurality of individual

joint portions

61 and 62 being intermittently lined up along the vertical direction (vertical direction). In FIG. 7, a plurality of horizontally elongated

individual joints

61, 61, . . . are arranged at predetermined intervals along the vertical direction. Further, a plurality of laterally elongated individual

joint parts

62, 62, . . . are arranged inside the individual joint parts 61 in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) at predetermined intervals along the vertical direction. When removing the used diaper 1 from the wearer's body, the front waist part FA and the rear waist part BA, which are connected in an annular manner, can be separated back and forth by tearing the side joints 60. can. At this time, the plurality of individual

joint parts

61 and 62 arranged intermittently along the vertical direction in the side joint part 60 function like perforations, so that the side joint part 60 can be easily broken. However, the side joint portion 60 may be formed by one type of individual joint portion.

<About the crotch elastic region 50A and the opening region 70A>
In the napkin 1 of the present embodiment, the absorbent body 10 reaches the wearer's excretory opening in the crotch area CA due to the contraction force exerted by the crotch elastic region 50A (absorbent elastic member 50) provided in the absorbent body 10. It is easy to fit and can improve the absorption of excretory fluids such as menstrual blood. On the other hand, since excretory fluid is easily absorbed into the absorbent main body 10 near the excretion opening, there is a concern that the absorbed excretory fluid tends to concentrate and accumulate in the crotch area, making the crotch region more likely to get stuffy when worn. There is a risk that this may cause harm to the user.

In contrast, in the napkin 1 of this embodiment, an aperture region 70A consisting of a plurality of

apertures

70, 70, . . . is provided throughout the exterior member 20 (non-skin side sheet 21). The perforated area 70A increases the breathability of the napkin 1, and since it is visible from the outside, the user can imagine that the napkin 1 does not get stuffy. When the napkin 1 is viewed in the thickness direction in the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2, at least a portion of the perforated region 70A is provided overlapping the crotch elastic region 50A. That is, the opening region 70A is provided in the exterior member 20 in a portion that overlaps with the crotch elastic region 50A that easily fits the excretion opening. This makes it easy to remind the user of good breathability, and makes it difficult for the user to worry about the crotch becoming stuffy.

In addition, in the absorbent main body 10, a back sheet 14 (breathable sheet member) having liquid impermeability and breathability is provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11 (see FIG. 4). . Therefore, excretory liquid such as menstrual blood absorbed by the absorbent core 11 near the excretion port can pass through the backsheet 14 as water vapor and move to the non-skin side of the absorbent main body 10. Thereby, the water (excretory fluid) absorbed by the absorbent main body 10 can be discharged to the non-skin side of the absorbent main body 10. At this time, since the opening area 70A is provided in the exterior member 20 on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body 10, water vapor can move more easily to the non-skin side than the exterior member 20, which actually improves the breathability in the crotch area. can be increased.

In addition, since the absorbent main body 10 is pressed against the wearer's body (crotch) side due to the elasticity exhibited by the crotch elastic region 50A, a space is easily secured between the wearer's clothes and excreted fluid. evaporates easily into the atmosphere. If the inseam elastic region 50A is not provided and the absorbent main body 10 is located near the wearer's clothes, water vapor (moisture) that has passed through the backsheet 14 (breathable sheet member) will be absorbed into the wearer's clothes. It may adhere to people's clothes and make them damp. In this case, there is a possibility that the user may misunderstand that the excretory fluid has leaked and adhered to the clothes.

However, if a space is secured between the wearer's clothes and the absorbent main body 10 due to the elasticity of the crotch elastic region 50A as described above, the water vapor that has passed through the backsheet 14 will easily evaporate in the space. This prevents water vapor from condensing on the clothing side, making the clothing less likely to get wet. Therefore, even if the opening region 70A is provided in the crotch portion of the exterior member 20, it is difficult to give the user a negative impression that excrement fluid is likely to leak.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the shape of the openings 70 formed in the non-skin side sheet 21 in the thickness direction. In this embodiment, the openings 70 are formed by passing the tip of a pin with a sharp tip through the non-skin side sheet 21 from one side to the other side in the thickness direction. At this time, the peripheral edge of the opening 70 protrudes toward the other side in the thickness direction (the side into which the pin is pushed). In FIG. 8A, an aperture edge protrusion 71 is formed in which the peripheral edge of the aperture 70 protrudes toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction. On the other hand, in FIG. 8B, an aperture edge protrusion 72 is formed in which the peripheral edge of the aperture 70 protrudes toward the skin side in the thickness direction.

By forming the aperture edge protrusions 71 and 72 that protrude in the thickness direction, the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent The distance between the elastic core 11) and the backsheet 14 (breathable sheet member) and the wearer's clothing becomes longer. Therefore, when the excretory fluid (moisture) absorbed by the absorbent core 11 passes through the backsheet 14 as water vapor and evaporates to the non-skin side, the water is prevented from condensing on the clothes and making the clothes wet. It becomes easier. As a result, even if the absorbent main body 10 deforms and approaches clothing when the wearer moves, for example, the clothing becomes less likely to get wet and the user is less likely to feel discomfort. I can do it.

In the case of FIG. 8A, in a state where the non-skin side sheet 21 and the skin side sheet 22 (23) that constitute the exterior member 20 are joined in the thickness direction, the side opposite to the skin side sheet 22 (23) This means that the opening edge protrusion 71 protrudes. Therefore, the aperture edge protrusion 71 and the skin side sheet 22 are unlikely to interfere with each other, the protrusion height of the aperture edge protrusion 71 in the thickness direction is easily maintained, and the aperture edge protrusion 71 is temporarily Even if it is crushed, it will easily return to its original shape. In addition, on the non-skin side of the exterior member 20, the way the light is reflected differs between the aperture edge protrusion 71 and other parts, so the aperture 70 is easily visible from the non-skin side, and good ventilation is achieved. It is possible to make it easier for the user to remember that the user has a gender.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the aperture edge protrusion 72 protrudes toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction, the non-skin side sheet 21 and the skin side sheet 22 (23) adjacent to the skin side are Contact is facilitated via the aperture edge protrusion 72. Therefore, the transfer of moisture from the skin side sheet 22 side to the non-skin side sheet 21 is promoted in the vicinity of the aperture edge protrusion 72, and the moisture can be efficiently evaporated from the apertures 70 to the non-skin side. This makes it difficult for moisture to accumulate on the skin side of the napkin 1, making it easier to suppress stuffiness in the crotch area and the like.

Furthermore, since the absorbent main body 10 of the napkin 1 is provided with a vertically long linear compressed portion 40 (see FIG. 4), moisture such as menstrual blood absorbed by the absorbent core 11 is transferred to the vicinity of the excretion port. Local accumulation in the area is suppressed. As shown in FIG. 4, the linear compressed portion 40 is arranged to extend back and forth from the center position CL in the longitudinal direction toward the front waistline portion FA and the rear waistline portion BA. In other words, the length of the linear compressed portion 40 in the vertical direction is longer than the length in the horizontal direction. Therefore, in the crotch CA of the absorbent core 11, liquid such as menstrual blood absorbed at the part that comes into contact with the wearer's excretory opening is guided along the linear compression part 40 in the longitudinal direction. and spreads easily over the entire absorbent core 11. Therefore, concentrated accumulation of excretory liquid around the excretion opening of the absorbent core 11 is suppressed, and stuffiness is less likely to occur in the crotch area, and excretion leakage can be suppressed.

When viewed in the thickness direction, this linear compressed portion 40 overlaps the non-skin side sheet 21 and the skin side sheet 22 (23) of the exterior member 20 at the front and rear ends in the longitudinal direction ( (see Figure 2). That is, at the longitudinal ends of the linear compressed portions 40, two sheet members, the non-skin side sheet 21 and the skin side sheet 22 (23), are laminated on the non-skin side in the thickness direction. Therefore, when the menstrual blood etc. absorbed by the absorbent core 11 diffuses back and forth along the linear compressed portion 40 and reaches the end in the longitudinal direction, the menstrual blood etc. at the end is diffused into the exterior member 20 ( 21, 22), leakage to the non-skin side is suppressed. For example, if the wearer is sitting or sleeping in a supine position, there is a risk that excreted fluid such as menstrual blood may spread to the rear side in the vertical direction and leak from the rear side of the absorbent body 10. There is. Even in such a case, two layers of sheet members are laminated on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body 10 at the rear end 40eb of the linear compressed portion 40 in the longitudinal direction (see FIGS. 2 and 2). (see FIG. 4), it is possible to prevent excretory fluid from leaking to the non-skin side and staining the wearer's clothes.

Note that in the absorbent body 10, the absorbent elastic members 50 arranged along the front-rear direction also facilitate the guide and diffusion of excreta in the front-rear direction, similar to the linear compressed portions 40. In this embodiment, two layers of sheets, the non-skin side sheet 21 and the skin side sheet 22 (23), are provided on the non-skin side in the thickness direction even at the longitudinal end (rear end 50eb) of the absorbent elastic member 50. The members are stacked (see FIGS. 2 and 4). Therefore, it is possible to prevent excrement from leaking and staining the wearer's clothes.

On the other hand, near the longitudinal center of the napkin 1, the skin-

side sheets

22 and 23 are not provided, and the exterior member 20 is comprised only of the non-skin-side sheet 21. In other words, the exterior member 20 is configured of one sheet member in at least a portion of the crotch CA. Therefore, compared to the front waist area FA and the rear waist area BA, in the crotch CA, moisture such as menstrual blood passes through the non-skin side sheet 21 and moves from the skin side to the non-skin side more easily. There is. Furthermore, since the non-skin side sheet 21 has the pore area 70A throughout its entire area, it has a structure that allows moisture to easily evaporate from the skin side to the non-skin side. Thereby, the breathability in the crotch area CA is improved, and it is possible to suppress stuffiness from occurring when the napkin 1 is worn.

Further, the apertures 70 are formed so that the area S70 of each of the apertures 70 is larger than the area S41 of each of the plurality of individual

compressed parts

41, 41... that constitute the linear compressed part 40. It is preferable to do so (S70>S41). If the area S70 of the aperture 70 is large, the aperture edge protrusions 71 and 72 described with reference to FIG. 8 can be formed larger accordingly. Therefore, compared to the opposite case (S70<S41), the distance between the backsheet 14 (breathable sheet member) and the wearer's clothes is more likely to be secured, and moisture such as menstrual blood in the crotch area CA can be easily secured. Transpiration is facilitated. In addition, since the apertures 70 themselves are more conspicuous and easily recognized, it is easy to remind the user of good breathability, and it is difficult to create the impression that the crotch area tends to get stuffy.

On the contrary, the apertures 70 are formed such that the area S41 of each of the plurality of individual

compressed parts

41, 41... constituting the linear compressed part 40 is larger than the area S70 of each of the apertures 70. (S41>S70). In this case, since the area S70 of the aperture 70 becomes relatively small, the aperture 70 becomes less visible compared to the opposite case (S70>S41). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from having a negative impression that liquid such as menstrual blood easily leaks to the outside (non-skin side) from the opening 70 in the crotch area.

Furthermore, when the napkin 1 is viewed in the thickness direction in its natural state, the area of each hole 70 provided in the portion of the hole region 70A that overlaps with the crotch elastic region 50A is the same as that of the hole region 70A. Of these, the area is smaller than the area of each of the openings 70 provided in the crotch CA at the outer side of the absorbent main body 10 in the left-right direction (lateral direction). By preventing the aperture 70 from looking excessively large in the area that overlaps with the crotch elastic region 50A, the user is given the impression that menstrual blood, etc. leaks to the outside (non-skin side) from the aperture 70 around the vaginal opening. can be made less likely to occur. On the other hand, by making the openings 70 appear relatively larger outside the absorbent main body 10 (the crotch elastic region 50A) in the left-right direction, the crotch CA as a whole has sufficient breathability. An impression can be created on the user.

Note that the "natural state" is a state when the napkin 1 is left for a predetermined period of time. For example, after taking out the napkin 1 in the product state from the package, the both sides (20fe, 20be) of the exterior member 20 are pulled outwards in the left-right direction to bring the exterior member 20 into an "stretched state", and this stretched state is maintained for 15 seconds. After continuing to do so, release the tension on the napkin 1 and place it on a flat surface such as a desk.
The state after 5 minutes of being placed flat on a flat surface is defined as the natural state.

Further, the expansion magnification of the absorbent elastic member 50 constituting the crotch elastic region 50A is as follows It is set to be larger than the expansion magnification of . Therefore, the absorbent main body 10 contracts more easily in the longitudinal direction at the lateral center portion (the crotch elastic region 50A) than at both lateral side portions (the leakage prevention wall portions 30). With such a configuration, in the horizontal center part, the aperture 70 also tends to contract as the crotch elastic region 50A contracts in the vertical direction, so that the aperture 70 does not look excessively large. Become. On the other hand, on both sides in the lateral direction, the contraction of the absorbent main body 10 is small, and the opening 70 appears relatively large compared to the crotch elastic region 50A.
This gives the user the impression that excretory fluid is difficult to leak around the excretory opening (vaginal opening) and that breathability is easily ensured in the crotch area as a whole.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the main body joint 18 that joins the absorbent main body 10 and the exterior member 20 in the thickness direction. The absorbent main body 10 of this embodiment is joined to the skin side of the exterior member 20 in a transfer step (S105) of the manufacturing process of the napkin 1, which will be described later. In the transfer step (S105), an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive is applied to the shaded area in FIG. 9 on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body 10 or the skin side of the exterior member 20, thereby A joint 18 is formed. Then, the absorbent main body 10 and the exterior member 20 are joined via the main body joining portion 18.

In the napkin 1, the main body joint 18 and the apertures are arranged so that the total area S18 of the main body joint 18 is larger than the total area S70M of the plurality of

apertures

70, 70... provided in the exterior member 20. 70 is formed (S18>S70M). With such a configuration, the main body joint portion 18 is formed relatively large compared to the opposite case (S18<S70M), so that the joint strength between the absorbent main body 10 and the exterior member 20 can be increased. I can do it. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the exterior member 20 from being torn due to the opening 70 provided in the exterior member 20 serving as a starting point.

On the other hand, the main body joint 18 and the apertures are arranged so that the total area S70M of the plurality of

apertures

70, 70... provided in the exterior member 20 is larger than the total area S18 of the main body joint 18. 70 may be formed (S70M>S18). With such a configuration, compared to the opposite case (S70M<S18), it is possible to increase the size of each hole 70 and increase the number of holes 70 provided per unit area. . Therefore, the openings 70 can be more easily recognized, giving the user an impression of good ventilation.

Furthermore, in the absorbent main body 10, at least one of the top sheet 12 and the second sheet 13, which are provided closer to the skin than the absorbent core 11, is preferably a sheet member having water-retentive fibers (see FIG. 4). By arranging the sheet member with high water retention on the skin side of the absorbent core 11, excreted fluid such as menstrual blood is more likely to be retained on the skin side than the absorbent core 11, so that a large amount of moisture can be absorbed. It is possible to prevent the absorbent core 11 from suddenly moving toward the non-skin side. Thereby, leakage of excretory fluid when the napkin 1 is worn can be more easily suppressed.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the back-side joint portion 19 that joins the back sheet 14 and the side sheet 15 in the thickness direction. The backsheet 14 is joined to the sidesheets 15 via back-side joints 19 with the absorbent elastic member 50 sandwiched therebetween. As shown in FIG. 10, the back-side joint 19 is formed by applying an adhesive such as a hot-melt adhesive to a longitudinally elongated strip-like region. A non-bonded region S19 is formed between two horizontally adjacent strip-shaped back-

side joints

19, 19.

In this embodiment, a non-joining region S19 is also formed in a region rearward of the rear end 50eb of the crotch elastic region 50A in the longitudinal direction. That is, there is a region (non-joined region S19) in which the back sheet 14 and the side sheets 15 are not joined in a region on the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the crotch elastic region 50A. In the non-bonding region S19, a gap is likely to be formed between the back sheet 14 and the side sheet 15 in the thickness direction, and the transfer of moisture from the skin side to the non-skin side is likely to be suppressed. That is, the napkin 1 of this embodiment has a portion on the rear side in the vertical direction of the crotch elastic region 50A, where moisture is difficult to move from the skin side to the non-skin side. Thereby, even when the wearer is in a supine sleeping position, leakage of excretory fluid around the buttocks can be suppressed.

Further, when the absorbent main body 10 is viewed in the thickness direction, the sheet member is laminated on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11 in the region between the pair of linear

compressed parts

40, 40 in the lateral direction. The number of sheet members is smaller than the number of sheet members laminated on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11 in the region outside the pair of linear

compressed parts

40, 40 in the lateral direction. In the cross-sectional view of the absorbent main body 10 shown in FIG. Two sheet members are laminated. On the other hand, on the outside in the lateral direction of the pair of linear

compressed parts

40, 40, on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11, there is a back sheet 14, a side sheet 15, and a portion where the side sheet 15 is folded back on the non-skin side. and a top sheet 12 folded in on the non-skin side, four sheet members are stacked. Therefore, moisture is less likely to transfer from the skin side to the non-skin side on both sides in the lateral direction, compared to the center area in the lateral direction. In addition, moisture that has migrated from the skin side to the non-skin side in the lateral center portion is unlikely to leak outward in the lateral direction. Thereby, even when the wearer is in a horizontal sleeping position, leakage of excretory liquid in the lateral direction of the napkin 1 can be easily suppressed.

<Method for manufacturing napkin 1>
Next, a method for manufacturing the napkin 1 will be explained. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of each process in manufacturing the napkin 1. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a manufacturing apparatus 100 for manufacturing napkins 1. As shown in FIG. In addition, in FIGS. 11 and 12, in order to simplify the explanation, it is assumed that the absorbent body 10 is supplied in a completed state, and a description of the method for manufacturing the absorbent body 10 will be omitted.

The manufacturing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 12 continuously manufactures napkins 1 by sequentially performing each step (S101 to S108) shown in FIG. The manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a conveyance mechanism 110, a hole opening mechanism 120, a stretching mechanism 130, an ultrasonic welding mechanism 140, an absorbent body transfer mechanism 150, a bending mechanism 160, a joining mechanism 170, and a cutting mechanism 180. , is provided.

In the manufacturing process of the napkin 1, a conveyance process is performed in which various base materials such as sheet members (21, 22, 23) constituting the exterior member 20 are conveyed in a predetermined conveyance direction (S101). In addition, in the manufacturing apparatus 100, the conveyance direction is a direction along the left-right direction (lateral direction) of the napkin 1. Hereinafter, the transport direction will also be referred to as the "MD direction", and the intersecting direction that intersects with the transport direction (the depth direction of the paper surface in FIG. 12) will also be referred to as the "CD direction".

In the conveyance process, after the non-skin side sheet continuous body 21a (corresponding to the first sheet) in which the non-skin side sheets 21 are continuous in the MD direction (the left-right direction in the pants-shaped state) is unwound from the raw fabric roll, The transport mechanism 110 transports the sheet from the upstream side to the downstream side in the MD direction at a predetermined transport speed. Similarly, skin-side

sheet continuum bodies

22a and 23a (corresponding to the second sheet) in which skin-

side sheets

22 and 23 are connected in the MD direction (horizontal direction) are respectively unwound from the raw fabric rolls, and then conveyed. The mechanism 110 transports the paper from the upstream side to the downstream side in the MD direction at a predetermined transport speed. While each of these base materials is being transported, the napkin 1 is manufactured by performing each of the steps S102 to S108.

First, an aperture forming step is performed in which a plurality of apertures 70 are formed in the non-skin side sheet continuous body 21a that is conveyed in the MD direction (S102). In the hole forming step, the pin 121 of the hole opening mechanism 120 provided at a predetermined position in the MD direction is operated, and the tip of the pin 121 is penetrated in the thickness direction of the non-skin side sheet continuous body 21a. , a plurality of openings 70 are formed. At this time, an opening edge protrusion 71 (72) is formed that protrudes in the direction in which the pin 121 penetrates. Note that the perforation mechanism 120 may be configured independently of the manufacturing apparatus 100, and the perforations 70 may be formed in the non-skin side sheet continuous body 21a before being supplied to the manufacturing apparatus 100. . In other words, the holes 70 may be formed in-line or off-line. Further, it is assumed that the non-skin side sheet continuous body 21a is provided with a plurality of fused portions 80 in advance, which are formed during the manufacturing stage of the nonwoven fabric.

Further, a stretching process is performed in which the skin-side sheet continuous body 22a (23a) conveyed in the MD direction is subjected to a stretching process to develop elasticity along the MD direction (lateral direction) (S103). The stretching process is performed using a stretching mechanism 130 equipped with a pair of gear rolls 131 and 132. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the principle of stretching processing. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of region K in FIG. 13. In FIG.

The gear rolls 131 and 132 are a pair of upper and lower roll mechanisms that rotate around rotational axes along the CD direction with their outer peripheral surfaces facing each other. On the outer peripheral surface of the gear roll 131, a plurality of peaks 131m (corresponding to gear teeth) and valleys 131v are alternately formed along the rotation direction, and each peak 131m and each valley 131v are formed alternately. are formed to extend in the CD direction. Note that the peak portions 131m and the valley portions 131v do not need to be formed over the entire gear roll 131 in the CD direction, and may be formed in a part of the outer peripheral surface of the gear roll 131 in the CD direction. Furthermore, similar peaks 132m (gear teeth) and valleys 132v are alternately formed on the outer peripheral surface of the gear roll 132. When the gear rolls 131 and 132 are rotating, the peaks 131m and valleys 132v of one gear roll 131 engage with each other with a slight gap so that the peaks 131m of the gear roll 131 enter the valleys 132v of the other gear roll 132. It has become. During the rotation, the skin-side sheet continuous body 22a (23a) passes between the pair of gear rolls 131 and 132 in an extended state along the MD direction.

The skin-side sheet continuous body 22a (23a) passing between the pair of gear rolls 131 and 132 is between the

peaks

132m and 132m that are adjacent to each other in one gear roll 132, and the trough 132v of the other gear roll that enters between them. It is deformed into a three-point bending shape by the peak portion 131m of 131 (see FIG. 14). At this time, the first portion Sa of the skin-side sheet continuous body 22a (23a) that contacts the top surface of the mountain portion 132m of one gear roll 132 is difficult to be stretched because it contacts the top surface in a generally immovable manner. On the other hand, the second portion Sb between the two adjacent first portions Sa is stretched based on the intrusion of the peak portion 131m. As a result, in the skin-side sheet continuous body 22a (23a), as shown in FIG. 14, the stretched second portion Sb and the first portion Sa, which is harder to stretch than the second portion Sb, alternate in the MD direction. Processed to line up with. In the region of the second portion Sb, the extensible fibers of the nonwoven fabric constituting the skin-side sheet continuous body 22a (23a) are partially stretched. That is, by passing between the pair of gear rolls 131 and 132, at least some of the extensible fibers in the skin-side sheet continuous body 22a (23a) become elongated. Thereby, the skin-side sheet continuous body 22a (23a) exhibits stretchability along the MD direction based on the elastic deformation of the stretchable fibers.

In addition, when subjecting the skin-side sheet continuous body 22a (23a) to the stretching process, the skin-side sheet continuous body 22a (23a) is heated in advance using a heating device (not shown) to improve its extensibility. It is desirable to prevent the fibers from being cut and the nonwoven fabric itself from tearing. The heating conditions (heating temperature, heating time, etc.) are adjusted as appropriate depending on the type of fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric, their melting points, etc.

Next, the non-skin side surfaces of the skin-side sheet

continuous bodies

22a and 23a, which are also transported in the MD direction, are stacked and bonded to the skin side surface of the non-skin side sheet 21 that is transported in the MD transport direction, to form the exterior member 20. An exterior member forming step is performed (S104). In the exterior member forming step, ultrasonic vibration and pressure are applied to predetermined positions of the non-skin side sheet continuous body 21a and the skin side sheet continuous body 22a (23a) by the ultrasonic welding mechanism 140 provided at a predetermined position in the MD direction. Perform ultrasonic welding. As a result, the non-skin side sheet continuous body 21a and the skin side sheet continuous body 22a (23a) are joined by the plurality of welded parts 90 (91, 92, see FIG. 6), and the exterior member 20 is moved in the MD direction (pants The exterior member continuum 20a is continuous in the left-right direction (in the molded state).

Next, a transfer step is performed to transfer the absorbent main body 10 to a predetermined position on the skin side of the exterior member continuous body 20a (S105). In the transfer process, the absorbent body 10 is transferred to the exterior member continuous body 20a by a transfer drum 151 provided in the absorbent body transfer mechanism 150.

A plurality of absorbent bodies 10 are held on the outer peripheral surface of the transfer drum 151 at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction. Each absorbent main body 10 is held such that the skin side faces the outer peripheral surface of the transfer drum 151, and an adhesive is applied to the non-skin side. The transfer drum 151 in this state is rotated at a predetermined speed, and at the timing when the skin side of the exterior member continuous body 20a and the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10 come into contact, the transfer drum 151 is released from holding the absorbent body 10. do. Then, by pressing the absorbent body 10 against the exterior member continuous body 20a so as to sandwich it in the thickness direction between the transfer drum 151 and the transfer drum 152 provided on the non-skin side, the absorbent body 10 is pressed against the exterior member continuous body 20a. 20a.

Thereafter, cutting is performed on the exterior member continuous body 20a to which the absorbent main body 10 has been transferred to form the leg opening 1b, and folded portions 20bf and 20bn of the exterior member 20 are formed (Fig. (not shown in FIGS. 11 and 12).

Next, a folding process is performed in which the absorbent main body 10 and the exterior member continuous body 20a are folded in two at a predetermined position in the CD direction (S106). In the folding step, the folding mechanism 160 folds the absorbent main body 10 and the exterior member continuous body 20a into two in the CD direction with a crease at a position corresponding to the center position CL in the longitudinal direction in FIG. 2, thereby forming the folded exterior member. The

continuous bodies

20a, 20a are placed one on top of the other in the thickness direction.

Next, a joining step is performed to join the exterior member

continuous bodies

20a, 20a overlapped in the thickness direction at positions corresponding to the lateral side portions 20fe, 20be of each napkin 1 (S107). In the bonding step, the bonding mechanism 170 performs seal bonding along the CD direction, and the side bonding portion 60 consisting of a plurality of

individual bonding portions

61 and 62 intermittently lined up along the CD direction is formed. As a result, a plurality of pants-shaped napkins 1 as shown in FIG. 7 are arranged in a row along the MD direction.

Next, a cutting process is performed in which the continuous body of pants-shaped napkins 1 conveyed in the MD direction is cut into individual pants-shaped

napkins

1, 1, . . . (S108). In the cutting process, cutter rolls 181 and 182 provided in the cutting mechanism 180 cut a continuous body of pants-shaped napkins 1 that are continuous in the MD direction at predetermined positions in the MD direction (both end positions in the lateral direction of the napkin 1). do. In this way, individual pants-shaped napkins 1 are manufactured.

The manufactured pants-shaped napkins 1 are each folded on the downstream side of the cutting mechanism 180 in the MD direction, packed one by one or a plurality of each with a packaging material, and shipped after being packed.

===Others===
The above-described embodiments are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to be interpreted as limiting the present invention. It goes without saying that the present invention may be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

In the above embodiment, the napkin 1 was described as an example of a pants-type absorbent article, but the present invention is also applicable to other absorbent articles other than napkins. For example, the pants-shaped absorbent article may be a pants-shaped diaper for children or adults, a pants-shaped absorbent pad, or the like.

In the above-described embodiment, the napkin 1 in which the exterior member 20 is continuous and integrated from one side (front side) to the other side (rear side) in the vertical direction is described as an example of a pants-type absorbent article. However, the exterior member 20 may be configured as separate bodies on the front side and the rear side (see FIG. 2, etc.). That is, the absorbent article may be a so-called three-piece type pants-type absorbent article consisting of three parts: a front exterior member (front waist part), a rear exterior member (rear waist part), and an absorbent main body.

1 napkin (pants-type absorbent article),
1a Waist opening, 1b Leg opening,
10 absorbent body,
11 absorbent core, 12 top sheet, 13 second sheet, 14 back sheet, 15 side sheet, 15t end, 18 main body joint, 19 back-side joint, 20 exterior member, 20fe both sides, 20be both sides,
21 Non-skin side sheet, 21ff folded part, 21bf folded part,
22 skin side sheet, 23 skin side sheet,
25f waist elastic member, 25b waist elastic member,
30 Leakage prevention wall section,
31 Leakage prevention wall elastic member,
40 High density part (linear compression part),
50 absorber elastic member, 50A inseam elastic region,
60 side joint,
61 Individual joint part, 62 Individual joint part,
70 aperture, 70A aperture area,
70f folded hole, 70i non-folded hole,
71 Aperture edge protrusion (skin side), 72 Aperture edge protrusion (non-skin side),
80 fusion part,
90 Welded part,
91 welded part, 92 welded part,
100 manufacturing equipment,
110 conveyance mechanism,
120 hole opening mechanism, 121 pin,
130 stretching mechanism,
131 gear roll, 131m peak, 131v valley,
132 gear roll, 132m peak, 132v valley,
140 Ultrasonic welding mechanism,
150 absorbent body transfer mechanism, 151 transfer drum, 152 transfer drum,
160 folding mechanism,
170 joining mechanism,
180 cutting mechanism, 181 cutter roll, 182 cutter roll,
1a Waist opening, 1b Leg opening,
CL center position,
FL20f front bending position, FL20b rear bending position

Claims

It has a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a thickness direction that intersect with each other in the unfolded state,
an absorbent body that absorbs liquid;
an exterior member provided on a non-skin side of the absorbent main body, at least a portion of which is expandable and contractable in the lateral direction;
A pants-type absorbent article having
The absorbent main body has a crotch elastic region in the crotch region including an absorbent elastic member that is provided at the center in the lateral direction and expands and contracts along the longitudinal direction;
At least a part of the sheet member constituting the exterior member has an aperture area including a plurality of apertures,
A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that the crotch elastic region and the perforation region overlap when viewed in the thickness direction.
The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 1,
The absorbent main body has an absorbent core and a liquid-impermeable and breathable breathable sheet member provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent core,
A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that an aperture edge protrusion that protrudes toward the skin side or the non-skin side in the thickness direction is provided along the periphery of the aperture.
The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 2,
The pants-type absorbent article is characterized in that the aperture edge protrusion protrudes toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction.
The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 2,
The pants-type absorbent article is characterized in that the aperture edge protrusion protrudes toward the skin side in the thickness direction.
The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
having a linear compression part that compresses the absorbent main body in the thickness direction,
The pants-type absorbent article, wherein the longitudinal length of the linear compressed portion in the crotch region is longer than the lateral length.
The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 5,
The exterior member is
a first sheet having the openings;
a second sheet laminated on the skin side of at least a portion of the first sheet and having elasticity in the lateral direction;
When viewed in the thickness direction, a rear end portion in the longitudinal direction of at least one of the absorbent elastic member and the linear compressed portion overlaps with the first sheet and the second sheet; A pants-type absorbent article characterized by:
The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 6,
The pants-type absorbent article is characterized in that the exterior member is comprised of one sheet of the first sheet in the crotch area.
The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 5,
The linear compressed portion is formed by a plurality of individual compressed portions arranged intermittently, and the area of each of the openings is larger than the area of each of the individual compressed portions. Pants-type absorbent article.
The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 5,
The linear compressed portion is formed by a plurality of individual compressed portions arranged intermittently, and the area of each of the openings is smaller than the area of each of the individual compressed portions. Pants-type absorbent article.
The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 5,
In the natural state, when viewed in the thickness direction,
The area of each of the apertures provided in a portion overlapping with the crotch elastic region is smaller than the area of each of the apertures provided in a laterally outer portion of the absorbent body. A pants-type absorbent article with special features.
The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 5,
The absorbent main body has a pair of leakage prevention walls on both sides in the lateral direction,
The leak-proof wall part is provided with a leak-proof wall elastic member that expands and contracts in the vertical direction,
The value obtained by dividing the length of the absorbent elastic member in the stretched state by the length of the absorbent elastic member in the natural state is the length of the leakage prevention wall elastic member in the stretched state divided by the leakage prevention wall elasticity in the natural state. A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that the length is larger than the value divided by the length of the member.
The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 5,
a main body joint portion that joins the absorbent main body and the exterior member in the thickness direction;
A pants-type absorbent article, wherein the total area of the main body joints is larger than the total area of the openings.
The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 5,
a main body joint portion that joins the absorbent main body and the exterior member in the thickness direction;
A pants-type absorbent article, wherein the total area of the main body joints is smaller than the total area of the openings.
The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 5,
The absorbent main body has a top sheet and a second sheet closer to the skin in the thickness direction than the absorbent core,
A pants-type absorbent article, wherein at least one of the top sheet and the second sheet is a sheet member having water-retentive fibers.
The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 5,
The absorbent main body has a side sheet on the non-skin side of the breathable sheet member,
The absorbent elastic member is provided between the breathable sheet member and the side sheet in the thickness direction,
A pants-type absorbent article characterized by having a portion where the breathable sheet member and the side sheet are not joined on the rear side of the crotch elastic region in the longitudinal direction.
The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 5,
A pair of the linear compression parts are provided at intervals in the lateral direction,
The absorbent main body has one or more sheet members on the non-skin side in the thickness direction than the absorbent core,
The number of sheet members stacked on the non-skin side in the thickness direction of the absorbent core in the inner area in the lateral direction of the pair of linear compressed parts is determined by The pants-type absorbent article is characterized in that the number of sheet members laminated on the non-skin side in the thickness direction of the absorbent core in the outer region in the lateral direction is smaller than the number of sheet members laminated on the non-skin side in the thickness direction.