Absorbent

Abstract

This absorbent article (1) comprises an absorbent core (11a), wherein: the absorbent core (11a) has a central region (11aCV) and side regions (11aSV) on a crotch portion that straddles a central location (CL) of an absorbent body (10) in the longitudinal direction; the absorbent core (11a) has a pair of guides (11G) along the longitudinal direction at boundaries between the central region (11aCV) and the side regions (11aSV) in the left-right direction; the length (L1) of the central region (11aCV) in the left-right direction at the center location (CL) is shorter than the length (L2) of either side region (11aSV) in the left-right direction; and the guides (11G) guide deformation such that sites from the guides (11G) to ends (11ae) of the absorbent core (11a) in the left-right direction face the thighs of the wearer when worn.

Description

absorbent articles

[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent article.

[0002]

[0003] Conventionally, in absorbent articles having an absorbent body that absorbs excretions such as urine and menstrual blood, techniques have been known to improve leak prevention and fit by deforming the absorbent body by bending or the like when worn. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a disposable diaper having a central absorbent body and a second absorbent body, in which, when worn, a portion between the central absorbent body and the second absorbent body bends, causing the second absorbent body to fold toward the wearer's thighs. Patent Document 2 discloses an absorbent article in which an absorbent core has a central low-basis-weight portion in the widthwise center where the basis weight of the absorbent core is lower than that of the surrounding areas, and a pair of side low-basis-weight portions on both sides in the widthwise direction, and when worn, the cross section of the absorbent core deforms into a W-shape starting from both ends of the central low-basis-weight portion and the side low-basis-weight portions.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 4229581 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-217160

[0004] The absorbent core of Patent Document 2 also prevents side leakage by bringing the absorbent core into close contact with the wearer, but if there are many deformation starting points in the width direction of the absorbent core, the outer width direction parts of the absorbent core may become crumpled when rubbed by thick thighs, making it difficult to maintain its function as an absorbent core.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an absorbent article in which the absorbent core is less likely to lose its shape under the crotch, even when worn by a user with thick thighs, and which fits the body well and prevents leakage.

[0006] The main invention for achieving the above object is an absorbent article having an absorbent main body with an absorbent core, which has longitudinal, lateral, and thickness directions that intersect with one another in an unfolded and stretched state, wherein the absorbent core has, in a crotch portion straddling a central position in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body, a central region that is located in the center in the lateral direction and side regions that are located on both lateral sides of the central region, the absorbent core has a pair of guide portions that extend along the longitudinal direction at boundaries between the central region and the side regions in the lateral direction, the length of the central region in the lateral direction at the central position is shorter than the length of either of the lateral sides that are located on both lateral sides, and the guide portions guide deformation of the absorbent article so that, when the absorbent article is worn, the portions from the guide portions to the lateral ends of the absorbent core face the thighs of a wearer. Other features of the absorbent article will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0007] According to the present invention, an absorbent article can be provided in which the absorbent core is less likely to lose its shape in the crotch area even when worn by a user with thick thighs, and which fits the body well and prevents leakage.

[0008] 7 is a schematic front view of a pants-type disposable diaper 1. FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state. FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the absorbent main body 10 and the leakage preventing wall portions 50. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 3. FIG. 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating deformation of the absorbent core 11a during wear. FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of a diaper 1' according to a second embodiment in an unfolded and stretched state, as seen from the skin side. FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the absorbent main body 10 of the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating deformation of the absorbent core 110 (111, 112) during wear.

[0009] The present specification and the accompanying drawings make at least the following clear: Aspect 1 is an absorbent article having an absorbent main body with an absorbent core, which has, in a deployed and stretched state, longitudinal, left-right, and thickness directions that intersect with one another, wherein the absorbent core has, in a crotch portion that straddles a central position in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body, a central region that is located in the center in the left-right direction and side regions that are located on both outer sides of the central region in the left-right direction, the absorbent core has, in the left-right direction, a pair of guide portions that extend along the longitudinal direction at boundaries between the central region and the side regions, wherein, at the central position, the length in the left-right direction of the central region is shorter than the length in the left-right direction of either of the side regions located on the outer sides, and the guide portions guide deformation so that, when the absorbent article is worn, a portion from the guide portion to an end of the absorbent core in the left-right direction faces the thighs of a wearer.

[0010] According to the absorbent article of Aspect 1, when the absorbent article is worn, the guide portions facilitate deformation of the central region of the absorbent core into a convex shape toward the skin, and because the width (left-right length) of the central region that is convex toward the skin is shorter than the width of the side regions, the central region is less likely to be crushed by compression from both left and right sides of the absorbent core. Furthermore, by encouraging deformation of the regions from the guide portions to the left and right ends of the absorbent core so that they face the wearer's thighs, it is possible to suppress deformation of the absorbent core due to friction with thick thighs and prevent leakage.

[0011] Aspect 2 is an absorbent article having an absorbent main body with an absorbent core, which has longitudinal, left-right, and thickness directions that intersect with each other in an unfolded and stretched state, wherein the absorbent core has, in a crotch portion that straddles the central position of the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body, a central region located in the center in the left-right direction and side regions located on both left-right outer sides of the central region, and the absorbent core has, in the left-right direction, a pair of guide portions along the longitudinal direction at the boundary between the central region and the side regions, and at the central position, the left-right length of the central region is shorter than the left-right length of either of the side regions located on both outer sides, and the left-right length of one of the side regions is less than twice the left-right length of the central region.

[0012] In the absorbent article of aspect 2, when the absorbent article is worn, the guide portions make it easier for the central region of the absorbent core to deform convexly toward the skin, and because the width of the central region is shorter than the width of the side regions, the central region is less likely to be crushed by external pressure from both the left and right sides of the absorbent core. Compared to when the width (left-right length) of the side regions exceeds twice the width of the central region, when the width of the side regions is no more than twice the width of the central region, the side regions are less likely to wrinkle or deform even when rubbed against thick thighs while worn.

[0013] Aspect 3 is an absorbent article having an absorbent main body with an absorbent core, which has longitudinal, left-right, and thickness directions that intersect with each other in an unfolded and stretched state, wherein the absorbent core has, in a crotch portion that straddles the central position of the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body, a central region that is located in the center in the left-right direction, and side regions that are located on both left and right outer sides of the central region, the absorbent core has a pair of guide portions along the longitudinal direction at the boundary between the central region and the side regions in the left-right direction, and at the central position, the left-right length of the central region is shorter than the left-right length of either of the side regions located on both outer sides, the absorbent core has liquid-absorbent fibers, and when the regions in the absorbent core where the liquid-absorbent fibers are present are defined as presence regions and the regions where the liquid-absorbent fibers are not present are defined as non-presence regions, the side regions are composed only of the presence regions.

[0014] According to the absorbent article of aspect 3, when the absorbent article is worn, the guide portions facilitate deformation of the central region of the absorbent core into a convex shape toward the skin, and since the width of the central region is shorter than the width of the side regions, the central region is less likely to be crushed by external pressure from both the left and right sides of the absorbent core. Furthermore, the presence of liquid-absorbent fibers throughout the side regions improves their rigidity, and this prevents the absorbent core from losing its shape even if the side regions are rubbed against thick thighs while the absorbent article is being worn.

[0015] Aspect 4 is the absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein at least the side regions have a means for increasing the rigidity of the absorbent core.

[0016] According to the absorbent article of aspect 4, by improving the rigidity of the side regions, it is possible to further prevent the side regions from losing their shape due to friction with the thighs while being worn.

[0017] Aspect 5 is the absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the side regions have compressed portions.

[0018] According to the absorbent article of aspect 5, the presence of the compressed portions increases the rigidity of the side regions, and prevents the absorbent core from losing its shape due to friction with thick thighs.

[0019] Aspect 6 is an absorbent article described in any one of aspects 1 to 5, in which a central stretchable member that stretches in the longitudinal direction is provided in the center of the left-right direction of the crotch portion, and the central region has a portion that overlaps with the central stretchable member when viewed in the thickness direction.

[0020] According to an absorbent article such as that of aspect 6, the central stretchable member makes it easier for the central region to deform closer to the skin (crotch side), making it easier to prevent the absorbent core from being crushed by external pressure from the left and right while wearing the article.

[0021] Aspect 7 is an absorbent article described in Aspect 6, in which the absorbent core has a constricted portion between both longitudinal ends that is narrower in width in the left-right direction than the both longitudinal ends, and the central elastic member is provided within the area in the longitudinal direction where the constricted portion is located.

[0022] According to an absorbent article such as aspect 7, the constricted portion corresponds to the crotch area of ​​the wearer when worn, and contraction of the central elastic member provided within the constricted portion area can reduce the distance between the absorbent core and the urination outlet in the constricted portion, thereby suppressing leakage.

[0023] Aspect 8 is an absorbent article described in Aspect 6 or Aspect 7, in which, when one side of the longitudinal direction is the wearer's ventral side and the other side of the longitudinal direction is the wearer's dorsal side, the length of the central stretchable member from the ventral end to the central position in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length from the dorsal end to the central position.

[0024] In an absorbent article such as aspect 8, the central stretchable member is positioned closer to the so-called ventral side, and by contracting the central stretchable member, the distance to the absorbent core can be reduced to match the urination opening on the front (ventral side), making it easier to absorb urine and thereby suppressing leakage.

[0025] Aspect 9 is an absorbent article described in any one of Aspects 1 to 3 and Aspects 6 to 8, wherein the absorbent core has a first absorbent core and a second absorbent core located on the non-skin side of the first absorbent core in the thickness direction, and the side region has an overlap region where the first absorbent core and the second absorbent core overlap when viewed in the thickness direction.

[0026] According to the absorbent article of aspect 9, the overlapping region where the first absorbent core and the second absorbent core overlap in the side region has increased rigidity, and deformation of the absorbent core due to friction with thick thighs can be prevented.

[0027] Aspect 10 is an absorbent article described in Aspect 9, in which at least one of the first absorbent core and the second absorbent core has a constricted portion between both longitudinal ends that is narrower in width in the left-right direction than the both longitudinal ends, the side region is located within the region in the longitudinal direction where the constricted portion is located, and the rigidity of the overlapping region in the side region is higher than the rigidity of the portion other than the constricted portion.

[0028] According to the absorbent article of aspect 10, the high rigidity in the overlapping regions of the side regions can prevent the absorbent core from losing its shape due to friction with thick thighs while being worn.

[0029] Aspect 11 is the absorbent article according to aspect 9 or 10, wherein the outer end of the first absorbent core is positioned further outward than the outer end of the second absorbent core in the left-right direction of the side region.

[0030] According to an absorbent article such as that of aspect 11, the width of the first absorbent core located on the skin side is wider than the width (length in the left-right direction) of the second absorbent core located on the non-skin side, so that the side of the first absorbent core closest to the wearer's skin can be firmly placed against the thigh, making it less likely to leak.

[0031] Aspect 12 is an absorbent article described in any of aspects 9 to 11, in which the second absorbent core has a constricted portion between both longitudinal ends that is narrower in width in the left-right direction than the both longitudinal ends, and the first absorbent core is located within the area in the longitudinal direction where the constricted portion is located.

[0032] In an absorbent article such as that of aspect 12, the constricted portion is the area corresponding to the wearer's crotch, and by providing a first absorbent core within the area of ​​the constricted portion which is easily crushed by external forces from the left and right while being worn, the rigidity of the constricted portion is improved, making the absorbent core less likely to be crushed.

[0033] Aspect 13 is an absorbent article described in any of aspects 9 to 12, in which, in the central region, at least one of the first absorbent core and the second absorbent core has a low basis weight portion having a basis weight lower than that of the surrounding area.

[0034] According to the absorbent article of aspect 13, in the central region which is induced to deform convexly toward the skin when worn, the low basis weight portion becomes the deformation starting point, and the central region is easily deformed convexly toward the skin.

[0035] Aspect 14 is an absorbent article described in any of aspects 9 to 13, in which, at the central position, the left-right length of the first absorbent core is longer than the left-right length of the second absorbent core, and when the left-right length of the central region is length L1, at the central position and on one side in the left-right direction, the length from the outer left-right end of the first absorbent core on that side to the outer left-right end of the second absorbent core on that side is shorter than length L1.

[0036] In the absorbent article of Aspect 14, the width of the second absorbent core is narrower than the width of the first absorbent core at the central position, but because the difference in width between the second absorbent core and the first absorbent core is shorter than the left-right length L1 of the central region, the second absorbent core also extends close to the left-right edges of the absorbent core, making it easier to maintain rigidity at the left-right edges. This makes it easier to maintain the absorbent core in a flat shape and suppress leakage.

[0037] Aspect 15 is an absorbent article described in any of aspects 1 to 14, which has an elastic member that can contract in the longitudinal direction and a pair of leakage-proof wall portions provided on both sides of the absorbent main body in the left-right direction, and at the central position and on one side in the left-right direction, the length from the outer end to the inner end in the left-right direction of the leakage-proof wall portion on one side is less than half the length in the left-right direction from the outer end to the guide portion on one side.

[0038] In the absorbent article of aspect 15, the leakage preventing wall portions stand up when worn, but if the length of the leakage preventing wall portions in the left-right direction is long, there is a risk that the leakage preventing wall portions will cover the absorbing surface of the absorbent main body. By ensuring that the length of the leakage preventing wall portions in the left-right direction is not too long, leakage can be prevented without covering the absorbing surface.

[0039] Aspect 16 is an absorbent article described in Aspect 15, in which the absorbent core has a constricted portion between both longitudinal ends that is narrower in width in the left-right direction than the both longitudinal ends, and when the part of the constricted portion that has the shortest length in the left-right direction is the narrowest part, at the central position and on one side in the left-right direction, the length from the outer end to the inner end in the left-right direction of the leakage-proof wall portion on one side is shorter than the length in the left-right direction from the outer end to the end of the narrowest part on one side.

[0040] According to an absorbent article such as aspect 16, the left-right length of the leakage preventing wall portion is set to a length that does not reach the narrowest part of the absorbent core even at the narrowest part of the absorbent core, so that the leakage preventing wall portion 50 does not cover the narrowest part, allowing the absorbent core to perform its absorption function properly and preventing leakage.

[0041] Aspect 17 is an absorbent article described in any one of aspects 1 to 16, in which the absorbent main body has a top sheet arranged closer to the skin in the thickness direction than the absorbent core, and a second sheet arranged between the top sheet and the absorbent core, and the central region is arranged within the area in which the second sheet is arranged in the left-right direction, and has a portion that overlaps with the second sheet when viewed in the thickness direction.

[0042] According to an absorbent article such as aspect 17, a central region is provided within the region where the second sheet is provided, thereby increasing the rigidity of the central region, and when the absorbent article is worn and the central region is induced to deform, the central region is less likely to wrinkle and fits better.

[0043] Aspect 18 is an absorbent article described in any one of Aspects 1 to 17, which has a waist elastic member that is stretchable in the left-right direction and has a waist portion that is placed around the waist of the wearer, the absorbent core has a first absorbent core and a second absorbent core that is located on the non-skin side of the first absorbent core in the thickness direction, the first absorbent core is positioned at a distance from the waist elastic member in the longitudinal direction, and the second absorbent core has a portion that overlaps with the waist elastic member.

[0044] According to the absorbent article of Aspect 18, although the rigidity can be increased by having the first absorbent core and the second absorbent core, if two layers of absorbent are present up to the region where the waist elastic members are provided, there is a risk that the article will feel stiff when it is fitted tightly around the waist. Since the waist region is a region away from the crotch and does not require the same level of absorption performance as the crotch region, by configuring the article to have an overlapping portion with only one layer (the second absorbent core), the stiffness can be reduced while preventing leakage.

[0045] First Embodiment Hereinafter, an absorbent article according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described using a pants-type disposable diaper for adults (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 1") as an example. However, the absorbent article according to the present invention can also be used as pants-type disposable diapers for infants, tape-type disposable diapers for infants or adults, sanitary napkins, sanitary shorts, etc.

[0046] <<Basic Structure of Pants-Type Disposable Diaper 1>> Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of the pants-type disposable diaper 1. Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state. Fig. 3 is a plan view illustrating the structure of the absorbent main body 10 and the leakage preventing wall portions 50. Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 3. Here, the "unfolded state" of the diaper 1 refers to a state in which the waist-line joining portion 40 (described later) is unwound to separate the pair of waist-line portions 20, 30, and the diaper 1 is opened in the longitudinal direction.

[0047] In the pants-type state shown in FIG. 1 , the diaper 1 has a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a front-to-back direction, which intersect with one another, and is provided with a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH. In the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2 , the diaper 1 has a longitudinal direction, a horizontal direction, and a thickness direction, which intersect with one another. The longitudinal direction is the vertical direction in the pants-type state. The thickness direction is the direction in which the components constituting the diaper 1 are stacked (see FIG. 4 ). In the vertical direction, the waist opening BH side is the upper side, and the crotch side is the lower side. In the front-to-back direction, the side facing the wearer's abdomen is the front side, and the side facing the wearer's back is the rear side. In the thickness direction, the side that comes into contact with the wearer's body (skin) is the skin side, and the side that does not come into contact with the wearer's body (skin) is the non-skin side.

[0048] Furthermore, the "stretched state" of the diaper 1 refers to a state in which the entire diaper 1 (the entire product) is stretched without wrinkles by stretching each of the elastic members of the diaper 1 (for example, the waist elastic members 23, 33 and the leak-proof wall elastic member 51, which will be described later), specifically, a state in which the dimensions of each of the members constituting the diaper 1 (for example, the absorbent body 10 and the waist portions 20, 30, which will be described later) are stretched until they match or are close to the dimensions of the individual members.

[0049] The diaper 1 also has a pair of waist-circulating sections 20, 30 that are placed around the waist of the wearer, and an absorbent main body 10. Of the pair of waist-circulating sections 20, 30, the one that is placed against the wearer's abdominal side is referred to as the abdominal waist-circulating section 20, and the other that is placed against the wearer's dorsal side is referred to as the dorsal waist-circulating section 30.

[0050] In the unfolded state of the diaper 1 shown in Fig. 2 , one longitudinal end of the absorbent main body 10 is disposed in the center of the ventral waistline section 20 in the left-right direction, and the non-skin-side surface of the one end is joined to the ventral waistline section 20 with an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive. Similarly, the other longitudinal end of the absorbent main body 10 is disposed in the center of the back waistline section 30 in the left-right direction, and the non-skin-side surface of the other end is joined to the back waistline section 30 with an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive. In the unfolded state of the diaper 1, the absorbent main body 10 is folded in half at its longitudinal center position CL, and both lateral ends of the ventral waistline section 20 and the back waistline section 30 are joined at a pair of waistline joints 40, thereby forming the pants-type diaper 1 shown in Fig. 1 . Examples of joining methods at the waistline joints 40 include welding and adhesive joining.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, the absorbent body 10 comprises an absorbent body 11 that absorbs excreted liquid, a liquid-permeable top sheet 12 arranged closer to the skin in the thickness direction than the absorbent body 11, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 13 arranged closer to the skin in the thickness direction than the absorbent body 11, and a sheet member 14. A second sheet 15 is provided between the top sheet 12 and the absorbent body 11. Both left and right sides of the top sheet 12 are folded back toward the skin side so as to wrap around the absorbent body 11. A portion of the sheet member 14 is arranged closer to the skin than the back sheet 13, and another portion forms a leakage preventing wall 50 closer to the skin than the top sheet 12.

[0052] The absorbent body 11 has an absorbent core 11a that absorbs and retains excreted liquids such as urine, and a liquid-permeable core wrap sheet 11b that covers the absorbent core 11a. The absorbent core 11a can be, for example, a liquid-absorbent fiber such as pulp containing a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) molded into a predetermined shape. On the other hand, the core wrap sheet 11b can be, for example, tissue paper.

[0053] The absorbent core 11a of this embodiment has a constricted portion 11ac between both longitudinal ends, which is shorter in the left-right direction (narrower in width) than both longitudinal ends, and has a generally hourglass-shaped shape in plan view as shown in Fig. 3. This constricted portion 11ac is the portion that is sandwiched between the wearer's legs when the diaper 1 is worn, and the shorter left-right length (narrower width) of this portion allows the absorbent core 11a to fit more easily between the wearer's legs.

[0054] 2 and 3, the absorbent body 11 has, over the entire area, compressed portions 18 that have been embossed. Details of the compressed portions 18 will be described later.

[0055] The top sheet 12 is a sheet-like member that covers the absorbent body 11 from the skin side, and is formed, for example, from a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric having a planar size larger than that of the absorbent body 11 .

[0056] The back sheet 13 is a sheet-like member that covers the absorbent body 11 from the non-skin side, and may be, for example, a liquid-impermeable leak-proof sheet made of polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like. An example of the sheet member 14 is a nonwoven fabric. The second sheet 15 is a sheet-like member that covers at least a portion of the absorbent body 11 from the skin side, and may be, for example, a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric having a planar size smaller than that of the absorbent body 11.

[0057] The absorbent main body 10 is provided with a pair of leakage preventing walls 50 along its longitudinal direction on both left and right sides. When the diaper 1 is worn, the leakage preventing walls 50 rise from both left and right sides of the absorber 11 toward the wearer's skin, thereby preventing body waste from leaking out of the absorbent main body 10. In this embodiment, the sheet member 14 constituting the exterior of the absorbent main body 10 has a planar size in the left and right direction larger than that of the top sheet 12 and the absorbent core 11a, and both left and right sides of the sheet member 14 are folded toward the wearer's skin in the thickness direction, starting from fulcrums 50B, at both left and right ends of the absorbent main body 10. The sheet member 14 is then folded inward in the left and right direction at fulcrums 50E located closer to the skin than the top sheet 12, and joined to the left and right ends of the top sheet 12 along the longitudinal direction at joining parts 50A, thereby forming the leakage preventing walls 50.

[0058] In the leakage preventing wall portion 50, a longitudinally contractible elastic member is fixed between the two stacked sheet members 14, 14 in a state in which it is stretched in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 10. In this embodiment, a plurality of leakage preventing wall elastic members 51 such as rubber threads are arranged side by side in the left-right direction as the elastic members. When the diaper 1 is worn, the leakage preventing wall portion 50 contracts along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 10 and stands up against the wearer's skin due to the stretchability exhibited by the leakage preventing wall elastic members 51 (elastic members), thereby fitting closely to the wearer's crotch area.

[0059] The leakage preventing wall portions 50 are fixed so as not to stand up at the front and rear ends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 10 by fixing portions (not shown) provided at the front and rear ends, respectively. Therefore, the leakage preventing wall portions 50 can stand up toward the wearer's skin in the region between the front fixing portion and the rear fixing portion in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 10. Note that only the stretchable portions of the leakage preventing wall elastic members 51 of the leakage preventing wall portions 50 are shown in Figures 2 and 3 .

[0060] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the absorbent core 11a of the absorbent body 11 has a plurality of linear compressed portions 18. Specifically, in the "compressed portions" of this embodiment, the absorbent body 11 (the absorbent core 11a and the core wrap sheet 11b) is compressed in the thickness direction by embossing. The "compressed portions" have a plurality of roughly diamond-shaped inner regions surrounded on all four sides by the compressed portions 18. Due to the compression, the fiber density of the absorbent core 11a is higher than that of the uncompressed portions. Note that although the compressed portions 18 of this embodiment are shown by dotted lines in Figures 2 and 3, this is for convenience of explanation. In reality, the compressed portions 18 are formed by embossing the absorbent body 11 as described above, and therefore are not clearly visible from the skin side of the diaper 1.

[0061] Furthermore, although the compressed portions 18 in this embodiment are formed linearly, the linear compressed portions 18 may be formed, for example, by a collection of multiple dot-like (circular) compressed portions. Alternatively, dot-like or linear compressed portions may be formed discretely within a predetermined area. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the compressed portions 18 are arranged so that they appear as a grid pattern (a so-called quilting pattern) as a whole, but other patterns may also be used. Furthermore, the lines that make up the grid pattern may be formed as straight lines as shown in FIG. 3, or as curved lines.

[0062] In the compression section 18 of this embodiment, the absorbent core 11a and the core wrap sheet 11b are compressed in the thickness direction, but it is sufficient that at least the absorbent core 11a is compressed in the thickness direction. Alternatively, for example, the absorbent core 11a, the core wrap sheet 11b, and the top sheet 12 may all be compressed in the thickness direction.

[0063] The absorbent body 10 also has a plurality of central elastic members 16, such as rubber threads, stretchable in the longitudinal direction, in the central portion in the left-right and length directions. Specifically, a plurality of central elastic members 16 are attached between the back sheet 13 and the sheet member 14 in the thickness direction, spaced apart in the left-right direction and stretched along the longitudinal direction. The figure shows only the portion of the central elastic member 16 that exhibits elasticity. The longitudinal length of the central elastic member 16 need only be such that it is provided in at least the crotch area (crotch area MA) that faces the wearer's crotch. The central elastic member 16 is not limited to a thread-like elastic member such as rubber threads. For example, the central elastic member 16 may be a plurality of strip-shaped rubber threads or elastic sheets (elastic film or elastic nonwoven fabric) spaced apart in the left-right direction, or a single elastic sheet of a predetermined size may be disposed.

[0064] The ventral waist portion 20 and the dorsal waist portion 30 each include an inner layer sheet 21, 31, an outer layer sheet 22, 32 disposed closer to the skin than the inner layer sheets 21, 31, and a plurality of waist elastic members 23, 33 that are stretchable in the left-right direction. As shown in Fig. 2, the diaper 1 has a crotch region MA between the ventral waist portion 20 and the dorsal waist portion 30. The crotch region MA corresponds to the wearer's crotch when worn.

[0065] The inner layer sheets 21, 31 and the outer layer sheets 22, 32 are arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent body 10. As the inner layer sheets 21, 31 and the outer layer sheets 22, 32, SMS nonwoven fabric (spunbond / meltblown / spunbond nonwoven fabric), spunbond nonwoven fabric, air-through nonwoven fabric, plastic sheet, perforated plastic sheet, laminated sheet thereof, etc. can be used.

[0066] The waist elastic members 23, 33 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction when the absorbent body 10 is in a pants-like state between the inner layer sheets 21, 31 and the outer layer sheets 22, 32, and are fixed in a stretched state in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the ventral waist portion 20 and the dorsal waist portion 30 fit the waist of the wearer. Examples of the waist elastic members 23, 33 include thread-like elastic members such as rubber and spandex. A cover sheet (not shown) may be provided to cover the upper end of the absorbent body 10 from the skin side.

[0067] In the unfolded and stretched state of Fig. 2, the ventral waist portion 20 is rectangular in plan view. The back waist portion 30 has an overlapping portion 30A that overlaps with the ventral waist portion 20 in the front-to-rear direction of the diaper 1 in the pants-type state, and an extending portion 30B that extends downward from the ventral waist portion 20. The overlapping portion 30A is rectangular in plan view, and the extending portion 30B is inverted trapezoidal in plan view. The extending portion 30B can cover the wearer's buttocks. On the other hand, the ventral waist portion 20 is shorter in the vertical direction than the back waist portion 30, and does not extend to the crotch area. This allows for unhindered movement of the legs, which are pulled up toward the ventral side when walking, making walking easier.

[0068] Additionally, the extension portion 30B of the back waistline portion 30 is provided with an extension portion elastic member 35 along its lower edge. Similar to the waistline elastic member 33, the extension portion elastic member 35 is fixed in a stretched state between the inner layer sheet 31 and the outer layer sheet 32. The extension portion elastic member 35 allows the extension portion 30B to fit the buttocks of the wearer and prevents the extension portion 30B from turning up. However, this is not limited to the above, and for example, the back waistline portion 30 may have the same rectangular shape in plan view as the ventral waistline portion 20 and not be provided with the extension portion elastic member 35.

[0069] Typically, when using a disposable diaper such as the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the absorbent body (absorbent core) in the region corresponding to the wearer's crotch area (the crotch area MA in this embodiment) may lose its shape when worn or while being worn due to external forces from the wearer's thighs, etc. In particular, for users with thick thighs, the narrow crotch width may cause strong pressure on both the left and right sides of the absorbent core, compressing and crushing the absorbent core in width, or may be damaged by friction with the wearer's thick thighs during wear, resulting in leakage.

[0070] In this regard, the diaper 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration in the crotch region MA ( FIG. 2 ), which straddles the longitudinal center position CL ( FIG. 3 ) of the absorbent main body 10 and corresponds to the wearer's crotch area. Fig. 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing deformation of the absorbent core 11a during wear, and Fig. 5B is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 3 . As shown in Figs. 3 and 5B , the absorbent core 11a of this embodiment has a central region 11aCV (indicated by fine dots in Fig. 5B ) located in the left-right center and side regions 11aSV (indicated by diagonal lines in Fig. 5B ) located on both left-right outer sides of the central region 11aCV. The diaper 1 has multiple central elastic members 16 in the left-right center of the crotch region MA, and the central region 11aCV has portions that overlap with the central elastic members 16 when viewed in the thickness direction. Specifically, in this embodiment, the positions of the central elastic members 16e, 16e located at both ends in the left-right direction of the multiple central elastic members 16 are the positions of both ends in the left-right direction of the central region 11aCV. In other words, the positions of the central elastic members 16e, 16e are the boundaries between the central region 11aCV and the side regions 11aSV in the left-right direction.

[0071] The central elastic members 16 are each bonded to the absorbent body 11 via the backsheet 13 with an adhesive or the like, and the portions of the absorbent core 11a that overlap with the central elastic members 16 in a plan view in the thickness direction are contracted in the longitudinal direction, facilitating deformation to fit closely to the wearer. In other words, the central elastic members 16 facilitate deformation of the central region 11aCV toward the skin (crotch side) (see FIG. 5A ). The absorbent core 11a thus has a pair of longitudinal guide portions 11G, 11G at the boundary between the central region 11aCV and the side regions aSV in the left-right direction. The guide portions 11G, 11G guide deformation of the absorbent core 11a toward the skin in the thickness direction, preventing crushing of the central region 11aCV of the absorbent core 11a due to left-right compression during wear. In this embodiment, the pair of guide portions 11G, 11G refers to the portions of the central elastic members 16e, 16e located at both ends in the left-right direction of the multiple central elastic members 16. Note that if the central elastic member 16 is, for example, a single elastic sheet of a predetermined size, both ends in the left-right direction of the elastic sheet become the pair of guide portions 11G, 11G, and if multiple band-shaped rubber threads or elastic sheets are arranged, the outer ends in the left-right direction of the rubber threads or sheets located at both ends in the left-right direction become the pair of guide portions 11G, 11G.

[0072] In addition, in this embodiment, the central elastic members 16e, 16e located at both lateral ends of the central elastic member 16 are defined as a pair of guide portions 11G, 11G. However, the guide portions 11G are not limited to being defined by the lateral outer ends of the elastic members, and can be any configuration that creates a rigidity difference in the absorbent core 11a. For example, the central region 11aCV may be defined as a low-basis weight portion having a lower basis weight than the surrounding areas, and the lateral ends of the low-basis weight portion may be defined as guide portions 11G, 11G. Alternatively, in this embodiment, compressed portions 18 are provided throughout the absorbent body 11. However, for example, compressed portions may be provided to create a rigidity difference between the central region 11aCV and the side regions 11aSV of the absorbent core 11a, and the portion where the rigidity difference occurs (i.e., the boundary between the central region 11aCV and the side regions 11aSV) may be defined as the guide portion 11G.

[0073] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B , at the longitudinal center position CL of the absorbent main body 10, the lateral length L1 of the central region 11aCV is shorter than the lateral length L2 of either of the side regions 11aSV located on either side of the central region 11aCV. By narrowing the width (lateral length) of the central region 11aCV, the central region 11aCV is less likely to be crushed by external forces from both lateral sides when the diaper 1 is put on or during wear. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B , the pair of guide portions 11G, 11G induce deformation of the absorbent core 11a from the guide portions 11G to the lateral ends 11ae (i.e., the side regions 11aSV) so that they face the wearer's thighs when the diaper 1 is worn. By promoting such deformation, the side regions 11aSV fit snugly against the wearer's thighs, preventing the absorbent core 11a from losing its shape due to friction with the wearer's thighs and preventing leakage.

[0074] Furthermore, the lateral length L2 of one of the side regions 11aSV is preferably no more than twice the lateral length L1 of the central region 11aCV. Compared to when the width (lateral length) of the side region 11aSV exceeds twice the width of the central region 11aCV, when the width of the side region 11aSV is no more than twice the width of the central region 11aCV, the side region 11aSV is less likely to wrinkle or deform even when rubbed against thick thighs during wear. Furthermore, it is preferable that the lateral length L2 of the side region 11aSV is no more than 1.5 times the length L1 of the central region 11aCV. If the side region 11aSV is too long, it may become a starting point for further deformation of the absorbent core 11a, but by not being too long, it becomes easier to maintain a tight fit around the thighs.

[0075] The absorbent core 11a contains liquid-absorbent fibers, and in this embodiment, the side regions 11aSV are composed only of the liquid-absorbent fibers 11ex (FIG. 5B), where the regions in the absorbent core 11a where the liquid-absorbent fibers are present are referred to as the presence regions 11ex and the regions in which the liquid-absorbent fibers are not present are referred to as the absence regions. The presence of the liquid-absorbent fibers throughout the side regions 11aSV improves rigidity, and prevents the absorbent core 11a from losing its shape even if the side regions 11aSV are rubbed against thick thighs while the diaper 1 is being worn.

[0076] As described above, the rigidity of the side regions 11aSV is enhanced by the absence of regions containing no liquid-absorbent fibers, but this is not a limitation. That is, it is sufficient for at least the side regions 11aSV to have a means for improving the rigidity of the absorbent core 11a. In this embodiment, the side regions 11aSV further have compressed portions 18. The presence of the compressed portions 18 increases the rigidity of the side regions 11aSV, further preventing the side regions 11aSV from losing their shape due to friction with thick thighs while wearing the garment.

[0077] The absorbent core 11a has a constricted portion 11ac, and the central elastic member 16 is provided in the longitudinal region of the constricted portion 11ac. The constricted portion 11ac of the absorbent core 11a corresponds to the crotch area when the diaper 1 is worn. The longitudinal contraction of each central elastic member 16 provided in the region of the constricted portion 11a reduces the distance between the absorbent core 11a and the urination opening at the constricted portion 11a, thereby suppressing leakage.

[0078] 3, the length L3 of the central stretchable member 16 from the ventral end 16fe to the central position CL is longer than the length L4 from the dorsal end 16be to the central position CL. In other words, the central stretchable member 16 is positioned closer to the ventral side in the longitudinal direction. By positioning the central stretchable member 16 closer to the ventral side, contraction of the central stretchable member 16 can reduce the distance to the absorbent core 11a in line with the urination opening on the front side (ventral side) of the wearer, making it easier to absorb urine and reducing leakage.

[0079] 5B , at the center position CL and on one side in the left-right direction, the length L5 from the left-right outer end 50ue to the inner end 50ie of one of the leakage preventing walls 50 is less than half the left-right length L6 from the left-right outer end 50ue of the leakage preventing wall 50 to the aforementioned guide portion 11G on one side. The leakage preventing wall 50 stands up when the diaper 1 is worn, but if the leakage preventing wall 50 is too long, there is a risk that the leakage preventing wall 50 will cover the absorption surface of the absorbent main body 10. By configuring the left-right length of the leakage preventing wall 50 to be less than half the length L6 from the outer end 50ue to the guide portion 11G as described above, leakage can be prevented without covering the absorption surface of the absorbent main body 10.

[0080] 5B , when the narrowest portion 11acp is defined as the portion of the constricted portion 11ac of the absorbent core 11a that has the shortest left-right length, the length L5 from the outer end 50ue to the inner end 50ie of the leakage preventing wall portion 50 on that side at the center position CL and on one side in the left-right direction is shorter than the left-right length L7 from the outer end 50ue of the leakage preventing wall portion 50 to the end 11acpe of the narrowest portion 11acp on that side (L5<L7). By setting the width (length L5) of the leakage preventing wall portion 50 so that it does not reach the narrowest portion acp of the absorbent core 11a even at the narrowest portion acp of the constricted portion 11ac of the absorbent core 11a, the leakage preventing wall portion 50 does not cover the narrowest portion acp of the absorbent core 11a, allowing the absorbent core 11a to fully perform its absorbing function and prevent leakage.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the absorbent main body 10 has a second sheet 15 disposed between the top sheet 12 and the absorbent core 11a, and the central region 11aCV is provided within the region in which the second sheet 15 is provided in the left-right direction, and has a portion that overlaps with the second sheet 15 when viewed in the thickness direction. Specifically, in this embodiment, when viewed in the thickness direction, the entire area of ​​the central region 11aCV overlaps with the second sheet 15. By providing the central region 11aCV within the region in which the second sheet 15 is provided, the rigidity of the central region 11aCV is increased, and when the diaper 1 is worn and the central region 11aCV is induced to deform toward the wearer's body as shown in FIG. 5A , the central region 11aCV is less likely to twist and better fits the wearer's body.

[0082] Furthermore, the central region 11aCV has a portion that overlaps with the central elastic member 16 that stretches in the longitudinal direction when viewed in the thickness direction, but it is preferable that the central region 11aCV does not have an elastic member that stretches in the left-right direction. If the absorbent core 11a stretches in the left-right direction, the absorbent core 11a will be easily crushed, so it is desirable that the central region 11aCV does not have elasticity in the left-right direction.

[0083] Second Embodiment Fig. 6 is a schematic plan view of a diaper 1' according to a second embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded and stretched state, as viewed from the skin side. Fig. 7 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the absorbent main body 10 of the second embodiment. Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating deformation of the absorbent core 110 (111, 112) during wear. The "unfolded state" and "stretched state" of the diaper 1' are the same as the unfolded state and stretched state described in the first embodiment.

[0084] In the first embodiment, the absorbent main body 10 of the diaper 1 includes a single-layer absorbent core 11a. However, in the second embodiment, the absorbent main body 10 of the diaper 1′ includes a two-layer absorbent core 110. The absorbent core 110 includes a first absorbent core 111 and a second absorbent core 112 that is located closer to the skin in the thickness direction than the first absorbent core 111. In addition, in the second embodiment, neither the first absorbent core 111 nor the second absorbent core 112 includes compressed portions 18, but the second absorbent core 112 includes a low-basis weight portion (low-basis weight portion 112T) that has a lower basis weight than the surrounding area. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the above points, and is otherwise generally similar. Therefore, the following description will mainly focus on these differences, and similar components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0085] 6 to 8 , the absorbent main body 10 of the diaper 1′ of the second embodiment has an absorbent core 110 with a two-layer structure. Specifically, the absorbent core 110 has a first absorbent core 111 that absorbs and retains excreted liquids such as urine, and a second absorbent core 112 that is located closer to the skin in the thickness direction than the first absorbent core 111 and also absorbs and retains excreted liquids such as urine. The first absorbent core 111 is covered with a liquid-permeable core wrap sheet 111r. Specifically, the core wrap sheet 111r is wrapped in the left-right direction to completely cover the outer peripheral surface of the first absorbent core 111, but this is not limiting.

[0086] The second absorbent core 112 is similarly covered with a liquid-permeable core wrap sheet 112r, and specifically, similar to the first absorbent core 111, the core wrap sheet 112r is wrapped in the left-right direction to enclose the entire outer surface of the second absorbent core 112, but is not limited to this. The liquid-absorbent material constituting the first absorbent core 111 and the second absorbent core 112, and the material constituting the core wrap sheets 111r and 112r are similar to those of the absorbent core 11a and core wrap sheet 11b of the first embodiment.

[0087] 7, the second absorbent core 112 is formed by laminating liquid-absorbent material in the thickness direction so that the core 112 has a generally hourglass shape in plan view. That is, the second absorbent core 112 has a constricted portion 112ac between both longitudinal ends, which is narrower in width in the left-right direction than both end ends.

[0088] In this embodiment, the second absorbent core 12 has a low-basis weight portion 112T in the left-right center, which extends longitudinally and is hollowed out from the second absorbent core 12. In this embodiment, the low-basis weight portion 112T does not include the second absorbent core 112 (i.e., has zero basis weight), but this is not limited to this. Here, basis weight refers to mass per unit area, and in this embodiment, the low-basis weight portion 112T may be any portion whose basis weight is smaller than that of the surrounding area. By including the low-basis weight portion 112T in the absorbent core 110, deformation of the absorbent core 110 can be induced, starting from the low-basis weight portion 112T, to fit the wearer's crotch area. Furthermore, when the wearer urinates, urine can be quickly dispersed longitudinally along the low-basis weight portion 112T. The number, arrangement, shape, etc. of the low-basis weight portions 112T are not limited to the configuration of the low-basis weight portions 112T in this embodiment.

[0089] 7, the central region 110CV located at the center of the absorbent core 110 in the left-right direction in the second embodiment is the range in which the above-mentioned low basis weight portion 112T exists in the left-right direction (the region shown by fine dots in FIG. 7), and both left-right outer sides of the central region 110CV are side regions 110SV (the regions shown by diagonal lines in FIG. 7). In the second embodiment, the absorbent main body 10 is also provided with a plurality of central elastic members 16 in the center in the left-right and length directions, but since both ends 112Te, 112Te in the left-right direction of the low basis weight portion 112T are located outward in the left-right direction than the positions of both ends of the plurality of central elastic members 16, in the low basis weight portion 112T, in this embodiment, the both ends 112Te, 112Te extending in the longitudinal direction form a pair of guide portions 110G, 110G. In the second embodiment, the absorbent core 110 has a two-layer structure, and the central region 110CV and the side region 110SV in this embodiment both refer to the region that combines both the first absorbent core 111 and the second absorbent core 112.

[0090] As described above, the absorbent core 110 of this embodiment has a pair of guide portions 110G, 110G along the longitudinal direction at the boundary between the central region 110CV and the side regions 110SV in the left-right direction, and starting from the guide portions 110G, 110G, the central region 110CV deforms toward the skin in the thickness direction and fits closely to the wearer's crotch area due to longitudinal contraction of the central elastic member 16, as shown in Fig. 9. Also in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, at the central position CL in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 10, the left-right length L11 of the central region 110CV is shorter than the left-right length L12 of the side regions 110SV, so that the central region 110CV is less likely to be crushed by compression from both the left and right directions, even when worn by a wearer with thick thighs. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, when the diaper 1' is worn, the guide section 110G guides deformation so that the side region 110SV faces the wearer's thighs, thereby fitting them to the thighs. This prevents the absorbent core 110 from losing its shape in the side region 110SV, which would otherwise be caused by rubbing against the wearer's thick thighs.

[0091] 8, the side region 110SV has an overlapping region 110vp where the first absorbent core 111 and the second absorbent core 112 overlap when viewed in the thickness direction. In the side region 110SV, the overlapping region 110vp (the region indicated by coarse dots in FIG. 7) where the first absorbent core 111 and the second absorbent core 112 overlap has increased rigidity, which can prevent the absorbent core 110 from losing its shape due to friction with thick thighs.

[0092] As described above, in this embodiment, the second absorbent core 112 has the constricted portion 112ac, and the side region 110SV is located within the region where the constricted portion 112ac is located in the longitudinal direction. The overlapping region 110vp (FIG. 7) between the first absorbent core 111 and the second absorbent core 112 in the side region 110SV is a high-rigidity portion having higher rigidity than the portion 110ee (FIG. 7) other than the constricted portion 112ac.

[0093] The stiffness values ​​of the overlap region 110vp and the portion 110ee other than the constricted portion 112ac can be, for example, the value measured by the Gurley stiffness tester divided by the length of the sample piece. The Gurley stiffness can be measured in accordance with JIS-L1096 using, for example, a Gurley flexibility tester No. 311 manufactured by Yasuda Seiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd. In this embodiment, since it is sufficient to confirm the magnitude relationship of stiffness between the overlap region 110vp and the portion 110ee, it is not necessary to obtain a strict value, and some error in the measurement is acceptable.

[0094] The constricted portion 112ac corresponds to the wearer's crotch area, and the side regions 110SV located within the constricted portion 112ac are often rubbed against the wearer's thick thighs when the diaper 1' is worn. High rigidity in the overlapping regions 110vp of the side regions 110SV prevents the absorbent core 110 from losing its shape due to rubbing against the wearer's thick thighs. In this embodiment, the second absorbent core 112 has the constricted portion 112ac, but it is sufficient that at least one of the first absorbent core 111 and the second absorbent core 112 has a constricted portion.

[0095] In this embodiment, the first absorbent core 111 is also provided in the region where the constricted portion 112ac is provided in the longitudinal direction. The constricted portion 112ac is a portion that is easily crushed by external forces from the left and right while the absorbent core 110 is being worn. By providing the first absorbent core 111 in the region of the constricted portion 112ac, the rigidity of the constricted portion 112ac is improved, making it possible to make the absorbent core 110 less likely to be crushed.

[0096] 7, in the left-right direction of the side region 110SV, the outer end 111e of the first absorbent core 111 is located further outward than the outer end 112e of the second absorbent core 112. In other words, the width (left-right length) of the first absorbent core 111 located closest to the skin is wider than the width (left-right length) of the second absorbent core 112 located away from the skin. With this configuration, the surface of the first absorbent core 111 closest to the wearer's skin can be firmly placed against the thigh, making it less likely to leak.

[0097] As described above, in this embodiment, the second absorbent core 112 is provided with a low basis weight portion 112T in the central region 110CV. The low basis weight portion 112T serves as a deformation starting point in the central region 110CV, which is induced to deform convexly toward the skin when the diaper 1' is worn. The presence of the low basis weight portion 112T makes it easier for the central region 110CV to deform convexly toward the skin. While the low basis weight portion 112T is provided in the second absorbent core 112 in this embodiment, this is not limiting, and it may be provided in at least one of the first absorbent core 111 and the second absorbent core 112.

[0098] 6, at the central position CL, the left-right length L13 of the first absorbent core 111 is longer than the left-right length L14 of the second absorbent core 112. In other words, at the central position CL, the width (left-right length) of the first absorbent core 111 is wider than the width of the second absorbent core 112. As shown in FIG. 7, when the left-right length of the central region 110CV is length L1, at the central position CL and on one side in the left-right direction, a length L15 from the left-right outer end 111e of the first absorbent core 111 on one side to the left-right outer end 112e of the second absorbent core 112 on one side is shorter than the aforementioned length L1. The length L15 mentioned above is the difference in width between the first absorbent core 111 and the second absorbent core 112 at the center position CL, but because the difference in width (L15) between the first absorbent core 111 and the second absorbent core 112 is shorter than the length L1, the second absorbent core 112 also extends close to the left and right ends of the absorbent core 110, maintaining rigidity even at the left and right ends of the absorbent core 110 and making it easier to keep the absorbent core 110 flat while wearing the garment. This helps to prevent side leakage, etc.

[0099] 6 , in this embodiment, the first absorbent core 111 is disposed longitudinally at a distance from the waist elastic members 23, 33 provided in the waist regions 20, 30, and the second absorbent core 112 has portions overlapping the waist elastic members 23, 33. In this embodiment, the inclusion of the first absorbent core 111 and the second absorbent core 112 in the absorbent core 110 increases the rigidity of the absorbent core 110. However, if the two absorbent cores (111, 112) were present in the region where the waist elastic members 23, 33 are provided, the diaper 1′ might feel stiff when fitted tightly around the waist. Because the waist regions 20, 30 are located away from the crotch area and do not require the same level of absorbency as the crotch area, the configuration with the second absorbent core 112 having an overlapping portion reduces stiffness and prevents leakage.

[0100] ===Other=== The above embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0101] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Diaper (absorbent article) 10 Absorbent body 11 Absorbent body 11a Absorbent core 11ac Constricted portion 11acp Narrowest portion 11acpe End 11aCV Central region 11ae End 11aSV Side region 11b Core wrap sheet 11ex Existence region 11G Guidance portion 12 Top sheet 13 Back sheet 14 Sheet member 15 Second sheet 16 Central elastic member 16be End 16e Central elastic member 16fe End 18 Compressed portion 20 Ventral waist portion (waist portion) 21 Inner layer sheet 22 Outer layer sheet 23 Waist elastic member 30 Dorsal waist portion (waist portion) 30A Overlapping portion 30B Extension portion 31 Inner layer sheet 32 ​​Outer layer sheet 33 Waist elastic member 35 Extension elastic member 40 Waist joint 50 Leakage preventing wall portion 50A Joint 50B Fulcrum 50E Fulcrum 50ie Inner end 50ue Outer end 51 Leakage preventing wall elastic member 110 Absorbent core 110CV Central region 110ee Portion 110SV Side region 110vp Overlapping region 111 First absorbent core 111e Outer end 111r Core wrap sheet 112 Second absorbent core 112ac Necked portion 112e Outer end 112r Core wrap sheet 112T Low basis weight portion

Claims

DEPCT681. The absorbent has longitudinal, lateral, and thickness directions that intersect with each other in the unfolded and stretched state. The absorbent is composed of: a main absorbent body including an absorbent core in the crotch area that extends across the center of the main absorbent body in the longitudinal direction; an absorbent core with: a central area located in the center of the absorbent core in the lateral direction; and lateral areas on both sides extending outwards from the central area, respectively; an absorbent core with a pair of guiding sections; a pair of guiding sections located at the edges between the central and lateral areas in the lateral direction, respectively; a pair of guiding sections extending in the longitudinal direction, at the center, the lateral length of the central area is shorter than the lateral length of each lateral area on both sides extending outwards from the central area. When the absorbent is worn, each guiding section guides the deformation of the area between each guiding section and the lateral ends of the absorbent core in a manner that faces the wearer's thigh.2.An adsorbent with longitudinal, lateral, and thickness directions that intersect in the unfolded and elongated states, composed of: a main adsorbent body including the adsorbent axis, a target portion extending across the midpoint of the main adsorbent body in the longitudinal direction; an adsorbent axis containing: a central region located in the midpoint of the adsorbent axis in the lateral direction; and lateral regions on the two sides laterally elongating from the central region, respectively; an adsorbent axis containing a pair of guiding segments; a pair of guiding segments located at the edges between the central and lateral regions in the lateral direction, respectively; a pair of guiding segments extending in the longitudinal direction; at the midpoint, the lateral length of the central region is shorter than the lateral length of each lateral region on the two sides laterally elongating from the central region; and the lateral length of one of the lateral regions is equal to or less than twice the lateral length of the central region.3An adsorbent with longitudinal, lateral, and thickness directions that intersect in the unfolded and extended states, composed of: a main adsorbent body including the adsorbent axis, a target portion extending across the center of the main adsorbent body in the longitudinal direction; an adsorbent axis containing: a central region located in the center of the adsorbent axis in the lateral direction; and lateral regions on the two sides laterally elongating from the central region, respectively; an adsorbent axis with a pair of guiding segments; a pair of guiding segments located at the edges between the central and lateral regions in the lateral direction, respectively; a pair of guiding segments extending in the longitudinal direction, at the center, the lateral length of the central region being shorter than the lateral length of each lateral region on the two sides laterally elongating from the central region; an adsorbent axis containing liquid-absorbing fibers; apparent regions referring to areas in the adsorbent axis where liquid-absorbing fibers are present; invisible regions referring to areas in the adsorbent axis where liquid-absorbing fibers are not present; and lateral regions composed only of the apparent regions.

5. Any of the adsorbents under claims 1 to 3, in which at least the lateral regions provide a pathway to increase the rigidity of the adsorbent core.

6. Any of the adsorbents under claims 1 to 3, in which the lateral regions are compressed.

7. Any of the adsorbents under claims 1 to 3, in which a central elongated and compressive segment in the longitudinal direction is arranged in the central portion of the target laterally, and the central portion is superimposed on the central elongated segment as viewed in the thickness direction.

8. Any of the adsorbents under claim 1 to 3, in which the adsorbent core has a constriction between the two longitudinal ends of the adsorbent core, the lateral length of the constriction is shorter than the lateral length of each longitudinal end of the adsorbent core, and a central elongated segment is arranged in the region where the constriction appears relative to the longitudinal direction.The absorbent under claim 6, where one longitudinal side is the front of the wearer, the other longitudinal side is the back of the wearer, and in the central stretchable portion, the longitudinal length from the front end of the central stretchable portion to the center position is greater than the longitudinal length from the back end of the central stretchable portion to the center position.

9. Any absorbent under claims 1 through 3, where the absorbent cores, including the first and second absorbent cores, are arranged on the non-skin side in the thickness direction relative to the first absorbent core, and the lateral area, including the overlapping area where the first and second absorbent cores overlap each other, as viewed in the thickness direction. 10.

11. Adsorbent under claim 9, where at least one object in the first and second adsorption axis has a constriction between the two longitudinal ends of one object in the first and second adsorption axis, the lateral length of the constriction is shorter than the lateral length of each longitudinal end of one object in the first and second adsorption axis, the lateral region is in the region where the constriction is aligned relative to the longitudinal direction, and the stiffness of the overlapping region in the lateral region is greater than the stiffness of the region outside the constriction.

12. Adsorbent under claim 9, where in the lateral direction of the lateral region, the lateral outward end of the first adsorption axis is outside the lateral outward end of the second adsorption axis.

13. Adsorbent under claim 9, where the second adsorption axis has a constriction between the two longitudinal ends of the second adsorption axis, the lateral length of the constriction is shorter than the lateral length of each longitudinal end of the second adsorption axis, and the first adsorption axis is in the region where the constriction is aligned relative to the longitudinal direction.Adsorbent under claim 9, in which, in the central region, a lower basic weight region than the enclosed region is arranged in at least one manner on the first and second adsorption axes.

14. Adsorbent under claim 9, in which, at the central position, the lateral length of the first adsorption axe is longer than the lateral length of the second adsorption axe, and at the central position and on one side, the lateral length from the lateral end of the first adsorption axe on one side to the lateral end of the second adsorption axe on one side is shorter than the length L1 which is the lateral length of the central region.15.An absorbent under any of the claims 1 through 3, where the main absorbent body has a pair of sealing walls on both sides of the main absorbent body, retractable elastic parts in the longitudinal direction are arranged in the pair of sealing walls, and at the center and on one side, the lateral length from the outward end of the lateral to the inward end of the sealing wall on one side is equal to or less than half the lateral length from the outward end of the sealing wall on one side to the guiding part on one side.16.

17. Any adsorbent under claim 1 to 3, in which the adsorbent core has a constriction between the two longitudinal ends of the adsorbent core, the lateral length of the constriction is shorter than the lateral length of each longitudinal end of the adsorbent core, the constriction has its narrowest point at the lateral length of the shortest point, and at the midpoint and on one lateral side, the lateral length from the outward lateral end to the inward lateral end of the upper lateral barrier is shorter than the lateral length from the outward lateral end of the upper lateral barrier to the end of the narrowest point on one lateral side.

18. Any adsorbent under claim 1 to 3, in which the main adsorbent body includes: a top sheet located on the skin in the thickness direction relative to the adsorbent core; and a second sheet arranged between the top sheet and the adsorbent core, the center of which is located in the region where the second sheet is arranged relative to the lateral direction, and the center of which is superimposed on the second sheet as viewed in the thickness direction. 18.The absorbent under any one of the claims 1 through 3, where the absorbent includes a waist portion arranged around the wearer's waist; the waist portion includes a flexible waist section that stretches and contracts laterally; the absorbent cores include the first and second absorbent cores arranged on the non-skin side in the thickness direction relative to the first absorbent core, relative to the longitudinal direction; the first absorbent core is positioned at a distance from the flexible waist section; and relative to the longitudinal direction, the second absorbent core overlaps with the flexible waist section;

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