absorbent materials

Abstract

The present invention provides an absorbent article. The objective is to improve the breathability of the absorbent article. An absorbent article (1) having intersecting longitudinal, transverse and thickness directions includes an absorbent body (10) and a waist portion (2a) disposed on the waist of the wearer, wherein the absorbent body (10) includes: an absorbent core (11); and a top sheet (13) disposed on the skin side of the absorbent core (11) and having a recess (13a) recessed toward the non-skin side and along the longitudinal direction, the waist portion (2) includes a cover portion (5) covering one end of the absorbent body (10) in the longitudinal direction from the skin side, the recess (13a) includes a portion covered by the cover portion (5) from the skin side and a portion not covered by the cover portion (5) from the skin side, and in the extended state, in the longitudinal direction, the portion of the cover portion (5) covering the recess (13a) from the skin side is provided with an opening (40).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an absorbent article. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, disposable diapers and the like were known as absorbent articles for absorbing urine and other excrement. In such absorbent articles, in order to prevent the end of the absorbent body from directly contacting the wearer's skin when worn, the end of the absorbent body is sometimes covered by a folded-back portion at the waist and a sheet component different from that folded-back portion.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-99854 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the absorbent article of Patent Document 1, the end of the absorbent body having a sheet with a recess is covered by a folded-back portion of the waist section. However, there is a problem that air flowing in the recess is difficult to escape to the outside of the absorbent article. Furthermore, this problem persists even when the end of the absorbent body having a sheet with a recess is covered by a sheet member different from the folded-back portion.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to improve the breathability of absorbent articles.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] The main invention for achieving the above-mentioned objective is an absorbent article characterized by having intersecting longitudinal, transverse, and thickness directions. The absorbent article includes: an absorbent body; and a waist portion disposed on the wearer's waist. The absorbent body includes: an absorbent core; and a top sheet disposed closer to the skin than the absorbent core, having a recessed portion that is recessed towards the non-skin side and along the longitudinal direction. The waist portion includes a cover portion that covers one end of the absorbent body from the skin side along the longitudinal direction. The recess includes a portion covered by the cover portion from the skin side and a portion not covered by the cover portion from the skin side. In an extended state, an opening is provided in the portion of the cover portion covering the recess from the skin side along the longitudinal direction.

[0011] Other features of the invention will become clear from the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0012] The effects of the invention

[0013] According to the present invention, the air permeability of absorbent articles can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of a shorts-type disposable diaper 1.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a rough top view of the diaper 1 in its unfolded and stretched state, viewed from the skin side.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A rough cross-sectional view of line AA.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic top view of the cover portion 5 covering the end of the absorbent body 10.

[0018] Figure 5 Is Figure 2 The schematic top view shows a diagram with multiple openings 40.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a rough top view of the diaper 1 in its unfolded and elongated state, viewed from the non-skin side.

[0020] Figure 7A This is a schematic three-dimensional view of the first example of the side view of the skin in the top piece 13. Figure 7B This is a schematic three-dimensional view of the second example of the skin side view on the top plate 13.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a top piece 13 having a recess 13a and a cover 5 having an opening 40.

[0022] Figure 9A This is a schematic top view showing the internal adhesive portion 90 and the internal non-adhesive portion 91. Figure 9B yes Figure 9A A rough cross-sectional view of line AA.

[0023] Figure 10A This is a schematic top view showing the adhesive portion 92 and the non-adhesive portion 93 on the cover side. Figure 10B yes Figure 10A A rough cross-sectional view of line AA.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0025] 1: Shorts-type disposable diaper (absorbent), 2: Waist section, 2a: Skin side panel, 2b: Non-skin side panel, 3: Fold-back section, 5: Cover section, 6: Joining section, 10: Absorbent body, 11: Absorbent core, 11c: Neck section, 13: Top panel, 13a: Recess, 13b: Protrusion, 14: Compression section, 20: Abdominal waist section, 20et: Upper abdominal end, 23: Elastic member, 30: Back waist section, 30et: Upper back end, 33: Elastic member, 40: Opening, 40a: Skin side opening, 40b: Non-skin side opening, 50: Protrusion, 90: Internal side adhesive section, 91: Internal side non-adhesive section, 92: Cover side adhesive section, 93: Cover side non-adhesive section, BH: Waist opening, LH: Leg opening. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Based on the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings, at least the following matters can be identified.

[0027] (Technical Solution 1)

[0028] An absorbent article, characterized in that it has intersecting longitudinal, transverse, and thickness directions, comprising: an absorbent body; and a waist portion disposed on the waist of a wearer, wherein the absorbent body includes: an absorbent core; and a top sheet disposed on the skin side of the absorbent core, having a recessed portion recessed towards the non-skin side and along the longitudinal direction, the waist portion including a cover portion covering one end of the absorbent body on the longitudinal side from the skin side, the recess including a portion covered by the cover portion from the skin side and a portion not covered by the cover portion from the skin side, and in an extended state, an opening is provided in the portion of the cover portion covering the recess from the skin side in the longitudinal direction.

[0029] In this absorbent material, air flows through the recesses on the top sheet and exits through openings in the cover. This improves the breathability of the absorbent material.

[0030] (Technical Solution 2)

[0031] As an absorbent article, it is desirable that an elastic member capable of stretching and contracting along the lateral direction is arranged in the waist portion, and that at least a portion of the elastic member overlaps with the cover portion when viewed along the thickness direction.

[0032] Based on this absorbent material, longitudinally elongated pleats are formed in the cover area due to elastic members, and airflow paths are also formed in the cover area for air to flow within the absorbent material. This further improves the breathability of the absorbent material.

[0033] (Technical Solution 3)

[0034] As for the absorbent article, it is desirable that, when viewed along the thickness direction, the elastic member is configured not to overlap with the absorbent core.

[0035] According to such an absorbent article, the effect of the stiffness of the absorbent core on the contraction of the elastic member can be suppressed. Therefore, it is easy to form longitudinally elongated wrinkles in the cover area caused by the elastic member. Furthermore, the formation of wrinkles in the absorbent core can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the reduction of the absorbent core's absorption performance.

[0036] (Technical Solution 4)

[0037] As for the absorbent article, it is desirable that, when viewed along the thickness direction, the opening of the cover is configured not to overlap with the absorbent core.

[0038] This type of absorbent material prevents moisture absorbed by the absorbent core from flowing back towards the skin through the openings. This reduces discomfort for the wearer caused by backflow.

[0039] (Technical Solution 5)

[0040] As for the absorbent article, it is desirable that the cover does not overlap with the absorbent core when viewed along the thickness direction.

[0041] This absorbent material prevents moisture absorbed by the absorbent core from flowing back towards the wearer along the cover. This reduces discomfort caused by backflow.

[0042] (Technical Solution 6)

[0043] As an absorbent article, it is desirable that the cover includes a region formed with a higher density than the region surrounding the opening, located at the edge of the opening toward the non-skin side.

[0044] Based on this type of absorbent material, even when moisture absorbed by the absorbent core flows along the cover, a certain amount of moisture is retained in the high-density area. This reduces discomfort for the wearer caused by backflow.

[0045] (Technical Solution 7)

[0046] As for this absorbent article, it is desirable that an opening-side elastic member is also disposed at a position on the waist opening side of the waist portion, closer to the elastic member in the longitudinal direction of the waist portion.

[0047] The force used to elongate the elastic member by a unit length is greater than the force used to elongate the elastic member on the open side by the same unit length.

[0048] Based on such absorbent materials, airflow channels can be easily created by forming pleats at the waist. This allows air to flow easily within the absorbent material.

[0049] (Technical Solution 8)

[0050] As an absorbent article, it is desirable that the cover has a back cover disposed on the back side and an abdominal cover disposed on the abdomen side, the elastic member includes a back elastic member disposed on the back side of the waist portion and at least partially overlapping the back cover, and an abdominal elastic member disposed on the abdomen side of the waist portion and at least partially overlapping the abdominal cover, wherein the force for extending the back elastic member by a unit length is greater than the force for extending the abdominal elastic member by that unit length.

[0051] Based on this absorbent material, airflow channels can be easily created by forming folds at the waist. This allows air to flow more easily within the absorbent material.

[0052] (Technical Solution 9)

[0053] As an absorbent article, it is desirable that the top sheet has other recesses in the lateral direction that are different from the recesses, and in the longitudinal direction, the portion of the cover portion that covers the recesses from the skin side has other openings in the lateral direction that are different from the openings, and in the lateral direction, the pitch between the openings and the other openings is smaller than the pitch between the recesses and the other recesses.

[0054] In this absorbent material, when viewed along the thickness direction, openings in the cover are provided in both the recessed portion of the top sheet and the portion outside the recessed portion of the top sheet. This further improves breathability.

[0055] (Technical Solution 10)

[0056] As an absorbent article, it is desirable that the top sheet has other recesses in the lateral direction that are different from the recesses, and in the longitudinal direction, the portion of the cover portion that covers the recesses from the skin side has other openings in the lateral direction that are different from the openings, and in the lateral direction, the pitch between the openings and the other openings is larger than the pitch between the recesses and the other recesses.

[0057] Based on this absorbent material, the number of openings in the covered recesses of the cover is reduced. This allows for increased material strength while maintaining breathability.

[0058] (Technical Solution 11)

[0059] As for this absorbent article, it is desirable that multiple internal side adhesive portions are arranged along the transverse direction to fix the absorbent body to the waist portion using an adhesive.

[0060] Based on this type of absorbent material, an airflow path is also formed longitudinally between the absorbent body and the waist area. This facilitates the formation of a longitudinally permeable path within the absorbent material.

[0061] (Technical Solution 12)

[0062] As an absorbent article, it is desirable that the waist portion has a skin side sheet with the plurality of internal side adhesive portions and a plurality of skin side openings on the skin side, and a plurality of internal side non-adhesive portions without the internal side adhesive portions are arranged in the transverse direction on the skin side of the skin side sheet, wherein the pitch of the plurality of skin side openings is smaller than the pitch of the plurality of internal side non-adhesive portions in the transverse direction.

[0063] Based on this absorbent material, a flow path is formed for air inside the absorbent material to flow through openings on the skin side. This further improves the breathability of the absorbent material.

[0064] (Technical Solution 13)

[0065] As such an absorbent article, it is desirable that the absorbent article has a cover-side adhesive portion that fixes the cover portion to the absorbent body using an adhesive and a cover-side non-adhesive portion that does not fix the cover portion to the absorbent body, wherein when viewed along the thickness direction, the opening overlaps with the cover-side non-adhesive portion.

[0066] In this absorbent article, air flows through a recess on the top sheet and exits through an opening in the area overlapping the non-adhesive portion of the cover. This improves the air permeability of the absorbent article.

[0067] (Technical Solution 14)

[0068] As for this absorbent article, it is desirable that, in the longitudinal direction, the portion of the cover portion that covers the recess from the skin side has other openings in the transverse direction that are different from the openings, and when viewed along the thickness direction, the other openings overlap with the cover-side adhesive portion.

[0069] According to this absorbent article, the multiple openings of the cover have both openings that overlap with the adhesive portion bonded to the same absorbent body and openings that do not overlap with the adhesive portion bonded to the same absorbent body. This allows for improved material strength while maintaining breathability.

[0070] (Technical Solution 15)

[0071] As an absorbent article, it is desirable that the waist portion has a skin side sheet with a skin-side opening and a non-skin side sheet located at a position closer to the non-skin side than the skin side sheet, such that when viewed along the thickness direction, at least a portion of the opening of the cover portion overlaps with at least a portion of the skin-side opening.

[0072] Based on this absorbent material, air vents are formed along the thickness direction of the absorbent material. This further improves the breathability within the absorbent material.

[0073] ===Implementation Methods===

[0074] <Basic Structure of Diaper 1>

[0075] Figure 1 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of a shorts-type disposable diaper 1. Figure 2 This is a rough top view of the diaper 1 in its unfolded and stretched state, viewed from the skin side. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A rough cross-sectional view of line AA. Figure 4 This is a schematic top view of the cover 5 covering the end of the absorbent body 10. Additionally, in Figure 2 The diagram of opening 40, which will be described later, is omitted for ease of explanation.

[0076] As an example of an absorbent article used in this embodiment, the basic structure of a shorts-type disposable diaper 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 1") will be described. Here, the "unfolded" state refers to the state in which the two ends of the diaper 1's transverse ventral side portion (ventral waist portion 20 described later) are unjoined with the two ends of the back portion (back waist portion 30 described later), separating the ventral side portion from the back side portion, and the diaper 1 is opened along its length direction, thereby unfolding the diaper 1 on a flat surface. In addition, the "stretched state" refers to the state in which the product (diaper 1) is stretched to the point of being wrinkle-free, specifically, the state in which the length of each component constituting the diaper 1 (e.g., waist portion 2 described later) is the same as or close to the size of a single component.

[0077] The diaper 1 is in Figure 1 In the shorts-style configuration, the shorts have three mutually orthogonal directions: up and down, left and right, and front and back. Furthermore, in the following text, the upper and lower sides in the up and down direction of the shorts-style configuration will be referred to as the "waist opening side" and the "crotch side," respectively, and the front and back sides in the front and back direction will be referred to as the "abdominal side" and the "back side," respectively.

[0078] On the other hand, Figure 2In its unfolded and stretched state, the diaper 1 has a length direction and a width direction that are orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, in the following, one side and the other side in the length direction of this unfolded and stretched state will be referred to as the "ventral side" and the "back side," respectively. Additionally, the width direction in the unfolded and stretched state is the same as the left-right direction in the shorts-type state. Therefore, the width direction will also be referred to as the "left-right direction" in the following. Furthermore, the length direction in the unfolded and stretched state is along the vertical direction of the shorts-type state. The direction orthogonal to the vertical (length) and left-right (width) directions is defined as the "thickness direction," the side that contacts the wearer's skin is defined as the "skin side," and the opposite side is defined as the "non-skin side."

[0079] The diaper 1 has an absorbent body 10 and a waist section 2.

[0080] • Absorbent Body 10

[0081] The absorbent body 10 is a part that functions to absorb excretions such as urine. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the absorbent body 10 is formed into a rectangular shape when viewed from above. Furthermore, the absorbent body 10 is positioned such that its length runs along the vertical direction of the diaper 1, and it is also centered in the horizontal direction. Figure 4 As shown, the absorbent body 10 has an absorbent core 11 and a top sheet 13.

[0082] The absorbent core 11 is a liquid-absorbing portion. The absorbent core 11 is formed by shaping liquid-absorbing fibers such as pulp fibers into a predetermined shape, and a highly absorbent polymer (SAP) is incorporated into its interior. Figure 2 As shown, the absorbent core 11 is formed in a roughly hourglass shape when viewed from above. Furthermore, the absorbent core 11 has a constricted neck 11c that is recessed inward in the left-right direction from its central portion along its length. That is, the absorbent core 11 has a constricted neck 11c at a position between its two ends along its length, with a left-right dimension smaller than that of the two ends along its length.

[0083] The top sheet 13 is a liquid-permeable sheet component disposed on the skin side of the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction, which comes into contact with the wearer's skin when the diaper 1 is worn. The top sheet 13 is formed, for example, from hot-air nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, etc. Detailed structure of the top sheet 13 will be described later.

[0084] Although not shown, the absorbent body 10, in addition to the absorbent core 11 and the top sheet 13, also includes a core-covering sheet and a backing film. The core-covering sheet is a liquid-permeable sheet member that covers the outer peripheral surface of the absorbent core 11. Cotton paper, non-woven fabric, etc., can be used as the core-covering sheet. The backing film is a liquid-impermeable and moisture-permeable sheet member disposed on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent core 11 (core-covering sheet) in the thickness direction; for example, it is formed of a resin film. By providing the backing film, the movement (permeation) of moisture such as urine absorbed by the absorbent body 10 towards the wearer's clothing is suppressed. Additionally, leak-proof walls (not shown) may be provided on both sides of the absorbent body 10 in the left-right direction.

[0085] Waist section 2

[0086] The waist section 2 constitutes the outer covering of the diaper 1 and is positioned around the wearer's waist. The waist section 2 is sometimes referred to as the "outer covering 2." The waist section 2 is located on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the waist section 2 has a ventral waist section 20 and a dorsal waist section 30.

[0087] The ventral waist section 20 is the part located on the wearer's ventral side when wearing the diaper 1. Figure 2 In the middle, it is located on the ventral (front) side of the central position CL in the length direction. The back waist part 30 is the part located on the back side of the wearer when wearing the diaper 1. Figure 2 In the middle, it is located at the back side (rear side) of the central position CL in the length direction.

[0088] Additionally, in the diaper 1 of this embodiment, such as Figure 2 In this case, the ventral waist section 20 and the dorsal waist section 30 are composed of independent components. However, the ventral waist section 20 and the dorsal waist section 30 can also be composed as a single unit.

[0089] Figure 1 The shorts-shaped diaper 1 shown is formed as follows. First, from Figure 2 Starting from the unfolded state, the absorbent main body 10 and the waist section 2 are folded in half with the central position CL in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) as the folding position. Then, in this folded state, the two ends of the ventral waist section 20 and the dorsal waist section 30, which are opposite each other, are joined together in the left-right direction by a pair of joints 6 formed by joining means such as welding. Thus, the ventral waist section 20 and the dorsal waist section 30 are connected in a ring shape, becoming Figure 1 The diaper 1 is in the form of a shorts shape, as shown, with a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH.

[0090] like Figure 3As shown, the ventral waist portion 20 and the dorsal waist portion 30 each have a skin-covered side panel 2a and a non-skin-covered side panel 2b. Additionally, the ventral waist portion 20 also has multiple elastic members 23. Furthermore, the dorsal waist portion 30 also has multiple elastic members 33.

[0091] The skin-side sheet 2a and the non-skin-side sheet 2b are flexible sheet-like components that are overlapped and joined together in the thickness direction. The skin-side sheet 2a is located on the skin side, and the non-skin-side sheet 2b is located on the non-skin side closer to the skin-side sheet 2a. The skin-side sheet 2a and the non-skin-side sheet 2b are formed, for example, from spunbond nonwoven fabric, thermally bonded nonwoven fabric, or spunlace nonwoven fabric. Examples of raw material fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In addition, not only can individual fibers such as polypropylene and polyethylene be used, but also composite fibers with a core-sheath structure made of polypropylene and polyethylene can be used.

[0092] Multiple elastic members 23, which are elastic members capable of lateral stretching, are arranged vertically (longitudinally) between the skin-side plate 2a and the non-skin-side plate 2b of the ventral waist portion 20, and are fixed in a laterally elongated state using an adhesive such as a hot-melt adhesive. Similarly, multiple elastic members 33, which are also elastic members capable of lateral stretching, are arranged vertically (longitudinally) between the skin-side plate 2a and the non-skin-side plate 2b of the dorsal waist portion 30, and are fixed in a laterally elongated state using an adhesive such as a hot-melt adhesive. This imparts stretchability to the ventral waist portion 20 and the dorsal waist portion 30. Furthermore, filamentous rubber or the like can be used as examples of elastic members 23 and 33.

[0093] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the non-skin side plate 2b constituting the waist section 2 is folded back from the upper side to the lower side in the vertical direction and from the non-skin side to the skin side in the thickness direction at the upper end 20et of the ventral side of the waist section 20, forming a folded-back portion 3. By forming the folded-back portion 3, multiple (in) Figure 3 The three-piece diaper assembly is stacked in the thickness direction (another layer is formed at the upper end of the abdominal waist section 20). This improves the material strength when the diaper 1 is lifted. Furthermore, in... Figure 3In this configuration, at the upper ventral end 20et of the ventral waist section 20, only the non-skin side panel 2b is folded back, without folding back the skin side panel 2a. However, it is also possible to fold back only the skin side panel 2a without folding back the non-skin side panel 2b, forming a folded portion 3. Alternatively, the skin side panel 2a can be folded back along with the non-skin side panel 2b, forming another folded portion 3. Alternatively, at the upper ventral end 20et of the ventral waist section 20, neither the non-skin side panel 2b nor the skin side panel 2a can be folded back, thus not forming a folded portion 3. By not forming the folded portion 3, the number of layers of material constituting the upper part of the ventral waist section 20 is reduced, which can suppress the obstruction of air permeability.

[0094] In addition, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the lower end of the folded-back portion 3 has a portion that overlaps with the upper ventral end of the absorbent body 10 when viewed along the thickness direction. A bonding material such as a hot-melt adhesive is used in the overlapping portion (in... Figure 3 (Not shown in the figure) It is joined in the thickness direction. That is, in the vertical direction, at least a portion of the folded-back portion 3 overlaps with the absorbent body 10. As a result, when wearing the diaper 1, the upper edge of the absorbent body 10 is prevented from directly contacting the wearer's skin (abdomen), making it less likely for the wearer to experience a hard touch caused by the upper edge of the absorbent body 10. However, it is also possible that at least a portion of the folded-back portion 3 does not overlap with the absorbent body 10.

[0095] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the non-skin side plate 2b constituting the waist section 2 is folded back from the upper side to the lower side in the vertical direction and from the non-skin side to the skin side in the thickness direction at the upper end 30et of the back waist section 30, forming a folded-back portion 3. By forming the folded-back portion 3, multiple (in) Figure 3 The three-piece diaper assembly is stacked in the thickness direction (another layer is formed at the upper end of the back waist section 30). This improves the material strength when the diaper 1 is lifted. Furthermore, in Figure 3 In this configuration, at the upper back end 30et of the back waist section 30, only the non-skin side panel 2b is folded back, without folding back the skin side panel 2a. However, it is also possible to fold back only the skin side panel 2a without folding back the non-skin side panel 2b, forming a folded portion 3. Alternatively, the skin side panel 2a can be folded back along with the non-skin side panel 2b, forming another folded portion 3. Alternatively, at the upper back end 30et of the back waist section 30, neither the non-skin side panel 2b nor the skin side panel 2a can be folded back, thus not forming a folded portion 3. By not forming the folded portion 3, the number of layers of material constituting the upper part of the back waist section 30 is reduced, which can suppress the obstruction of breathability.

[0096] In addition, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the lower end of the folded-back portion 3 has a portion that overlaps with the upper end of the back side of the absorbent body 10 when viewed along the thickness direction. A bonding material such as a hot-melt adhesive is used in the overlapping portion (in... Figure 3 (Not shown in the figure) It is joined in the thickness direction. That is, in the vertical direction, at least a portion of the folded-back portion 3 overlaps with the absorbent body 10. As a result, when wearing the diaper 1, the upper edge of the absorbent body 10 is prevented from directly contacting the wearer's skin (back), making it less likely for the wearer to experience a hard touch caused by the upper edge of the absorbent body 10. However, it is also possible that at least a portion of the folded-back portion 3 does not overlap with the absorbent body 10.

[0097] Additionally, although not shown in the figure, in the abdominal waist section 20, other sheet members may be provided, either together with or instead of the folded-back portion 3 overlapping with the absorbent body 10, having a portion that overlaps with the upper abdominal end of the absorbent body 10 when viewed in the thickness direction. Similarly, in the back waist section 30, other sheet members may be provided, either together with or instead of the folded-back portion 3 overlapping with the absorbent body 10, having a portion that overlaps with the upper back end of the absorbent body 10 when viewed in the thickness direction. These other sheet members are rectangular sheet members made of non-woven fabric or the like, independent of the abdominal waist section 20 and the back waist section 30. This prevents direct contact between the upper edge of the absorbent body 10 and the wearer's skin (abdomen or back) when wearing the diaper 1, making it less likely for the wearer to experience a hard feel caused by the upper edge of the absorbent body 10. However, other sheet members may be provided only in one of the ventral waist portion 20 and the dorsal waist portion 30. Alternatively, no other sheet members may be provided.

[0098] As previously described, in the ventral waist portion 20 or the dorsal waist portion 30, at least a portion of the folded-back portion 3 or at least a portion of another sheet member different from the folded-back portion 3 overlaps with the absorbent body 10. Thus, when wearing the diaper 1, direct contact between the upper edge of the absorbent body 10 and the wearer's skin (abdomen or back) is prevented, making it difficult for the wearer to experience a hard sensation caused by the upper edge of the absorbent body 10. In the following description, the member / part that covers the upper edge in order to thus prevent the wearer from experiencing a hard sensation caused by the upper edge of the absorbent body 10 is referred to as the "cover portion 5".

[0099] <Opening 40>

[0100] Figure 5 Is Figure 2 The schematic top view shows a diagram with multiple openings 40. Figure 6 This is a rough top view of the diaper 1 in its unfolded and elongated state, viewed from the non-skin side.

[0101] In this embodiment, the skin-side sheet 2a has one or more openings (skin-side opening 40a), and similarly, the non-skin-side sheet 2b has one or more openings (non-skin-side opening 40b). The opening 40 is an opening that penetrates the skin-side sheet 2a or the non-skin-side sheet 2b along the thickness direction. Furthermore, in top view, multiple openings 40 are provided on the entire surface of the skin-side sheet 2a or the non-skin-side sheet 2b, but multiple openings 40 may also be provided on a portion of the skin-side sheet 2a or the non-skin-side sheet 2b. Additionally, as... Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, in the cover portion 5 (in Figure 5 In the middle, the folded portion 3) of the non-skin side panel 2b also has one or more openings 40. For details regarding the openings 40 of the cover portion 5, please refer to the following description.

[0102] <Top of the film 13>

[0103] In this embodiment, a concave-convex shape is formed on the skin side of the top sheet 13. Specifically, the concave-convex shape is formed by providing a recess 13a that is recessed into the non-skin side on the skin side of the top sheet 13. Hereinafter, two examples (Example 1 and Example 2) will be described with respect to the concave-convex shape formed on the top sheet 13.

[0104] ·Example 1

[0105] Figure 7A This is a schematic three-dimensional view of the first example of the side view of the skin in the top piece 13.

[0106] In the first example of the skin-side surface of the top plate 13, a concave-convex shape is formed on the skin-side surface of the top plate 13 by alternating concave portions 13a and convex portions 13b in the left-right direction (lateral direction), that is, by the concave portions 13a and convex portions 13b being arranged alternately in the left-right direction (lateral direction). The concave portion 13a is a portion recessed towards the non-skin side. The convex portion 13b is a portion protruding towards the skin side. Figure 7A In the first example shown, the recess 13a and the protrusion 13b are arranged along the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) of the top sheet 13. The recess 13a is formed by compressing the top sheet 13 from one side (here, the skin side) to the other side (here, the non-skin side) in the thickness direction using a known compression method such as embossing. However, the recess 13a can also be formed by methods other than embossing. In addition, multiple recesses 13a such as those along the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) are formed along the left-right direction (lateral direction) of the top sheet 13. In the first example on the skin side of the top sheet 13, a flow path for air to flow in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) within the diaper 1 is formed along the recess 13a.

[0107] ·Example 2

[0108] Figure 7B This is a schematic three-dimensional view of the second example of the skin side view on the top plate 13.

[0109] In the second example of the skin-side surface of the top piece 13, multiple recesses 13a are formed along the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) along the horizontal direction (lateral direction) of the top piece 13, and multiple recesses 13a along the horizontal direction (lateral direction) are formed along the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) of the top piece 13. Consequently, multiple protrusions 13b are formed along the horizontal direction (lateral direction), and multiple protrusions are also formed along the vertical direction (longitudinal direction). In the second example of the skin-side surface of the top piece 13, a flow path for air to flow vertically (longitudinally) within the diaper 1 is also formed along the recesses 13a.

[0110] • Comparative example cover 5

[0111] As previously mentioned, to minimize the hard tactile sensation experienced by the wearer from the upper edge of the absorbent body 10 (top panel 13), this upper edge is covered by the cover portion 5. At this time, in Figure 7A and Figure 7B In the case of a top sheet 13 having a recess 13a along the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) as shown, the upper edge of the recess 13a of the top sheet 13 is partially covered by the cover portion 5. At this time, the air flowing in the recess 13a may sometimes be difficult to escape to the outside of the diaper 1 because it is covered by the cover portion 5.

[0112] • The cover portion 5 of this embodiment

[0113] In contrast, in the diaper 1 of this embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, in the presence of a recess 13a having a vertical direction (longitudinal direction) Figure 4 In the absorbent body 10 of the top sheet 13 (not shown), the cover portion 5 of the waist portion 2 covers the upper edge (one longitudinal end) of the absorbent body 10 from the skin side. In this case, the recess 13a (top sheet 13) includes the portion covered by the cover portion 5 from the skin side. Figure 4 The portion shown as X) and the portion not covered by the cover 5 from the skin side ( Figure 4 The Y portion shown). Furthermore, in the extended state, in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction), the portion of the cover 5 that covers the skin-side recess 13a ( Figure 4 The part X shown is provided with an opening 40.

[0114] According to the diaper 1 of this embodiment, air inside the diaper 1 flows upward through the recess on the top piece 13 and is discharged from the non-skin side to the skin side through the opening 40 provided in the cover part 5. As a result, the breathability inside the diaper 1 can be improved.

[0115] <Configuration of elastic components 23 and 33>

[0116] like Figure 2 As shown, elastic members 23 and 33 capable of lateral extension and retraction are arranged laterally in the waist section 2 (abdominal waist section 20 and dorsal waist section 30). In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 As shown, when viewed along the thickness direction, the elastic members 23 and 33 are partially different from the cover 5 (in... Figure 2 In the middle, the folded portion 3) of the non-skin side piece 2b overlaps. Therefore, longitudinally elongated folds are formed in the cover portion 5 due to the elastic members 23 and 33, and an airflow path for airflow within the diaper 1 is also formed between the cover portion 5 and the skin. Thus, air flowing upwards within the diaper 1 through the recess on the top piece 13, after being discharged from the non-skin side to the skin side through the opening 40 in the cover portion 5, is discharged outwards from the diaper 1 through the airflow path formed by the folds. Therefore, when viewed along the thickness direction, a portion of the elastic members 23 and 33 overlaps with the cover portion 5, thereby further improving the breathability within the diaper 1. However, the elastic members 23 and 33 may not overlap with the cover portion 5.

[0117] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, when viewed along the thickness direction, the elastic members 23 and 33 are configured not to overlap with the absorbent core 11. This suppresses the effect of the stiffness of the absorbent core 11 on the shrinkage of the elastic members 23 and 33. Consequently, it is easier to form longitudinally elongated wrinkles in the cover portion 5 caused by the elastic members 23 and 33. Furthermore, by configuring the elastic members 23 and 33 not to overlap with the absorbent core 11, wrinkle formation in the absorbent core 11 can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the reduction in the absorption performance of the absorbent core 11. However, it is also possible to configure at least a portion of the elastic members 23 and 33 to overlap with the absorbent core 11.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the force used to extend the elastic members 23 and 33 located on the lower side (crotch side) of the waist section 2 by a unit length is greater than the force used to extend the elastic members 23 and 33 located on the upper side (waist opening side) of the waist section 2 by a unit length. This makes it easier to form an airflow path by creating pleats in the waist section 2. This allows air to flow more easily within the diaper 1. However, the elastic members 23 and 33 located on the lower side (crotch side) and the elastic members 23 and 33 located on the upper side (waist opening side) may not be configured in this way.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the force used to extend the elastic member 33, which overlaps with the cover portion 5 on the back side, by a unit length is greater than the force used to extend the elastic member 23, which overlaps with the cover portion 5 on the abdomen side, by a unit length. This makes it easier to create an airflow path by forming pleats in the waist portion 2. This allows air to flow easily within the diaper 1. The elastic members 23 and 33 may also be arranged differently.

[0120] <Configuration of cover 5 (opening 40)>

[0121] In this embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, when viewed along the thickness direction, the cover 5 (in) Figure 5 In this case, the opening 40 of the folded portion 3) of the non-skin side panel 2b is configured not to overlap with the absorbent core 11. This prevents moisture absorbed by the absorbent core 11 from returning to the skin side via the opening 40. This reduces discomfort for the wearer caused by backflow. However, it is also possible that the opening 40 of the cover portion 5 overlaps with the absorbent core 11 when viewed along the thickness direction.

[0122] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, when viewed along the thickness direction, the cover 5 (in) Figure 5 In the middle, the folded-back portion 3 of the non-skin side panel 2b covers the upper edge (one longitudinal end) of the absorbent body 10 from the skin side in a manner that does not overlap with the absorbent core 11. This suppresses the return of moisture absorbed by the absorbent core 11 along the cover portion 5 to the wearer's side. Consequently, discomfort caused to the wearer by backflow can be reduced.

[0123] <Prominent Part 50>

[0124] Figure 8 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a top piece 13 having a recess 13a and a cover 5 having an opening 40.

[0125] The top sheet 13 has a plurality of compression portions 14 on its surface. The compression portions 14 are formed by compressing the top sheet 13 from one side (in this case, the skin side) to the other side (in this case, the non-skin side) in the thickness direction using a known compression method such as embossing. At the locations compressed by the compression portions 14, the fiber density and stiffness of the top sheet 13 locally increase. By providing the compression portions 14, the top sheet 13 is formed as described above. Figure 7A and Figure 7B The uneven shape shown. Here, as... Figure 8 As shown, the protrusion 13b is a portion that protrudes to one side in the thickness direction (in this case, the skin side), and is located at... Figure 8 The area where the top piece 13 is thickest when viewed in the cross-section shown. Additionally, as... Figure 8As shown, recess 13a is the area provided between adjacent recesses 13b.

[0126] In this embodiment, an opening 40 is formed by passing a pin through the cover portion 5. Therefore, at the edge of the opening 40 on the side opposite to the insertion side of the pin, such as... Figure 8 As shown, a protrusion 50 is formed. The protrusion 50 is a so-called burr. The protrusion 50 is a region with a higher density than the area surrounding the opening 40 when viewed along the thickness direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as... Figure 8 As shown, the protrusion 50 located at the edge of the opening 40 protrudes towards the non-skin side. By providing the protrusion 50, which forms a region with a higher density than the area surrounding the opening 40, even when moisture absorbed by the absorbent core 11 flows along the cover 5, a certain degree of moisture can be retained in the high-density region. This reduces discomfort to the wearer caused by backflow. However, the protrusion 50 can also be directed towards the non-skin side. Figure 8 The protrusion protrudes in a direction other than the indicated direction. Alternatively, the protrusion 50 may not be provided.

[0127] In addition, in this embodiment, Figure 8 In the transverse direction shown, the pitch of the plurality of openings 40 is smaller than the pitch of the plurality of recesses 13a. Here, the pitch of the plurality of openings 40 refers to... Figure 8 The transverse direction shown refers to the length between the centers of adjacent openings 40. Additionally, the pitch of the plurality of recesses 13a refers to the distance between them. Figure 8 The length between the centers of adjacent recesses 13a is shown in the transverse direction. Therefore, when viewed along the thickness direction, the opening 40 of the cover portion 5 is arranged in both the recesses 13a of the top sheet 13 and the portion other than the recesses 13a of the top sheet 13 (here, the protrusion 13b). As a result, the breathability of the diaper 1 can be further improved.

[0128] However, it is also possible that, in Figure 8 In the transverse direction shown, the pitch of the plurality of openings 40 is larger than the pitch of the plurality of recesses 13a. Therefore, the number of openings 40 in the portion of the cover 5 that covers the recesses 13a is reduced. This allows for improved material strength of the diaper 1 while maintaining breathability.

[0129] <The bonding portion between the absorbent main body 10 and the waist section 2>

[0130] Figure 9A This is a schematic top view showing the internal adhesive portion 90 and the internal non-adhesive portion 91. Figure 9B yes Figure 9A A rough cross-sectional view of line AA.

[0131] like Figure 9AAs shown, the absorbent main body 10 is joined to the waist portion 2 (the skin-side sheet 2a in Figure 9A ), by a joining material such as a hot-melt adhesive (the inner-side joining portion 90). Further, as shown in Figure 9A , the inner-side joining portion 90 is provided along the vertical direction (the longitudinal direction). Further, a plurality of the inner-side joining portions 90 provided along the vertical direction (the longitudinal direction) are arranged in the lateral direction. Thereby, a flow path for air is also formed in the longitudinal direction between the absorbent main body 10 and the waist portion 2. Thereby, it is easy to form a breathable path in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. However, the inner-side joining portion 90 may not be arranged as shown in Figure 9A .

[0132] Further, as shown in Figure 9B , a plurality of the inner-side joining portions 90 are arranged in the lateral direction, so that an inner-side non-joining portion 91 where the inner-side joining portion 90 is not formed is provided on the skin side of the skin-side sheet 2a. Further, a plurality of the inner-side non-joining portions are arranged in the lateral direction. Moreover, in the lateral direction, the pitch PA at which a plurality of skin-side openings 40a of the skin-side sheet 2a are arranged is smaller than the pitch PB at which a plurality of the inner-side non-joining portions 91 are arranged (PA < PB). Here, the pitch PA at which a plurality of the skin-side openings 40a are arranged means the length between predetermined positions of adjacent skin-side openings 40a when a plurality of skin-side openings 40a of the same size and shape are continuous in a certain direction. Further, the pitch PB at which a plurality of the inner-side non-joining portions 91 are arranged means the length between predetermined positions of adjacent inner-side non-joining portions 91 when a plurality of inner-side non-joining portions 91 of the same size are continuous in a certain direction. In Figure 9B , the pitch PA at which a plurality of the skin-side openings are arranged is the length between the centers of adjacent skin-side openings 4la, and the pitch PB at which a plurality of the inner-side non-joining portions 91 are arranged is the length between the centers of adjacent inner-side non-joining portions 91. Thereby, a flow path through which air in the diaper 1 flows through the skin-side openings 40 is formed. Thereby, the air permeability inside the diaper 1 can be further improved. However, the pitch PA at which a plurality of the skin-side openings 40a of the skin-side sheet 2a are arranged may be equal to or larger than the pitch PB at which a plurality of the inner-side non-joining portions 91 are arranged.

[0133] <Joining portion between the cover portion 5 and the absorbent main body 10>

[0134] Figure 10A is a schematic plan view showing the cover-side joining portion 92 and the cover-side non-joining portion 93. Figure 10B is Figure 10A a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of

[0135] As shown in Figure 10AAs shown, the cover 5 and the absorbent body 10 are joined using a bonding material such as a hot melt adhesive (cover-side adhesive 92). Additionally, as... Figure 10A As shown, the cover-side adhesive portion 92 is provided along the vertical direction (longitudinal direction). Furthermore, multiple cover-side adhesive portions 92 provided like this along the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) are arranged laterally. However, the cover-side adhesive portion 92 may not be as... Figure 10A Configure it as shown.

[0136] like Figure 10B As shown, multiple adhesive portions 92 are arranged laterally on the cover side, thus providing non-adhesive portions 93 on the cover side that do not fix the cover 5 to the absorbent body 10. Furthermore, when viewed along the thickness direction, the opening 40 ( Figure 10B The opening 40s shown overlaps with the non-adhesive portion 93 on the cover side. As a result, air inside the diaper 1 flows through the recess 13a on the top piece 13 and exits through the opening 40s located in the area overlapping with the non-adhesive portion 93 on the cover side. This improves the breathability of the diaper 1.

[0137] And, as Figure 10A and Figure 10B As shown, other openings 40 ( Figure 10B When viewed along the thickness direction, the opening 40t shown overlaps with the adhesive portion 92 on the cover side. Thus, the plurality of openings 40 in the cover portion 5 have openings 40 that overlap with the adhesive portion bonded to the absorbent body 10. Figure 10B The shown opening 40t) and the opening 40 (which does not overlap with the adhesive portion bonded to the same absorbent body 10) Figure 10B Both of these are shown as openings 40s. This allows for improved material strength while maintaining breathability. However, the multiple openings 40 of the cover 5 may also have only openings 40 that overlap with the adhesive portion bonded to the absorbent body 10. Figure 10B The opening 40t shown is an opening 40 that does not overlap with the adhesive portion bonded to the same absorbent body 10. Figure 10B Any of the openings shown in the diagram (40s).

[0138] Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, when viewed along the thickness direction, at least a portion of the opening 40 of the cover portion 5 overlaps with at least a portion of the skin-side opening 40a. This creates a ventilation opening in the thickness direction of the diaper 1. Consequently, the breathability inside the diaper 1 can be further improved.

[0139] ===Other Implementation Methods===

[0140] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, these embodiments are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and the present invention naturally includes its equivalents.

Claims

1. An absorbent article, characterized in that, The absorbent article has intersecting longitudinal, transverse, and thickness directions, and includes: Absorbent subject; and The waist section, which is fitted around the wearer's waist, includes... The absorbent body includes: Absorbent core; and The top sheet, positioned closer to the skin than the absorbent core, has a recessed portion that is concave towards the non-skin side and forms a flow path along the longitudinal direction for airflow within the absorbent article. The waist section includes a cover that covers one end of the absorbent body in the longitudinal direction from the skin side. The recess includes a portion covered by the cover from the skin side and a portion not covered by the cover from the skin side. In the elongated state In the longitudinal direction, the portion of the cover that covers the recess from the skin side is provided with an opening.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that, An elastic member capable of extending and retracting along the lateral direction is arranged in the waist section. When viewed along the thickness direction, at least a portion of the elastic member overlaps with the cover.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 2, characterized in that, When viewed along the thickness direction, the elastic member is configured not to overlap with the absorbent core.

4. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When viewed along the thickness direction, the opening of the cover is configured not to overlap with the absorbent core.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 4, characterized in that, When viewed along the thickness direction, the cover does not overlap with the absorbent core.

6. The absorbent article according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cover includes a region formed with a higher density than the area surrounding the opening, located at the edge of the opening towards the non-skin side.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, An opening-side elastic member is also provided at a position on the waist section, closer to the elastic member on the longitudinal side of the waist section than the elastic member. The force used to elongate the elastic member by a unit length is greater than the force used to elongate the elastic member on the open side by the same unit length.

8. The absorbent article according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The cover has a back cover portion disposed on the back side and a belly cover portion disposed on the belly side. The elastic member includes a back elastic member disposed on the back side of the waist portion and at least a portion of which overlaps with the back side cover portion, and an abdominal elastic member disposed on the ventral side of the waist portion and at least a portion of which overlaps with the ventral side cover portion. The force used to extend the dorsal elastic member by a unit length is greater than the force used to extend the ventral elastic member by the same unit length.

9. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The top piece has other recesses that are located laterally differently from the recessed portion. In the longitudinal direction, the portion of the cover that covers the recess from the skin side has other openings located differently in the transverse direction from the opening. In the lateral direction, the pitch between the opening and the other openings is smaller than the pitch between the recess and the other recesses.

10. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The top piece has other recesses that are located laterally differently from the recessed portion. In the longitudinal direction, the portion of the cover that covers the recess from the skin side has other openings located differently in the transverse direction from the opening. In the lateral direction, the pitch between the opening and the other openings is larger than the pitch between the recess and the other recesses.

11. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Multiple internal side adhesive portions are arranged along the transverse direction to fix the absorbent body to the waist part using an adhesive.

12. The absorbent article according to claim 11, characterized in that, The waist section has a skin side panel with multiple internal side adhesive portions and multiple skin side openings on the skin side. On the skin side of the skin sheet, a plurality of internal non-adhesive portions that do not form the internal side adhesive portions are arranged along the transverse direction. In the lateral direction, the pitch of the plurality of skin-side openings is smaller than the pitch of the plurality of internal-side non-adhesive portions.

13. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The absorbent article has a cover-side adhesive portion that secures the cover portion to the absorbent body using an adhesive, and a cover-side non-adhesive portion that does not secure the cover portion to the absorbent body. When viewed along the thickness direction, the opening overlaps with the non-adhesive portion of the cover side.

14. The absorbent article according to claim 13, characterized in that, In the longitudinal direction, the portion of the cover that covers the recess from the skin side has other openings located differently in the transverse direction from the opening. When viewed along the thickness direction, the other openings overlap with the adhesive portion on the cover side.

15. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The waist section has a skin side panel with a skin-side opening and a non-skin side panel located at a position closer to the non-skin side than the skin side panel. When viewed along the thickness direction, at least a portion of the opening of the cover overlaps with at least a portion of the opening on the skin side.

Images