Absorbent article and absorbent article package

Abstract

Provided are an absorbent article and an absorbent article package, which suppress mold before use in an absorbent article provided with a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. An absorbent article (1) has a liquid-absorbing absorbent main body (10) and an outer cover member (30, 40) provided at a position closer to a non-skin side than the absorbent main body (10), wherein the outer cover member (30, 40) has a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric (32, 42) at least in part of a surface closest to the non-skin side, and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric (32, 42) is configured such that a value obtained by dividing a difference between a weight of the absorbent article (1) when the packaged absorbent article (1) is opened and a weight of the absorbent article (1) in a dried state by the weight of the absorbent article (1) in the dried state is 0.1 or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to absorbent articles and absorbent article packaging. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, it was known to use shorts-type diapers with hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics that had been improved to increase their hydrophilicity. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology involving the use of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric as the outer sheet 4 constituting the outer body 3 of a disposable diaper 1, wherein the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric has fibers that have been hydrophilized by means of treating hydrophobic synthetic fibers with hydrophilic agents, etc.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-113186 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] For diapers using hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, as described in Patent Document 1, the absorbency is improved compared to diapers without hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. Therefore, during the period when the manufactured diapers are distributed in the market, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric will absorb moisture from the atmosphere, and the outer packaging of the diaper may become moldy. For example, if the diaper is moldy when the user opens the packaging of the new product and takes out the diaper, it cannot be used even before it is first used.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the existing problems as described above, and its object is to suppress mold growth in absorbent articles having hydrophilic nonwoven fabric before they are put into use.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The main technical solution for achieving the above objective is an absorbent article having an absorbent body with liquid absorption and an outer component disposed at a position closer to the non-skin side than the absorbent body. The outer component is characterized in that at least a portion of its surface closest to the non-skin side has a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, wherein the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is configured such that the value obtained by dividing the difference between the weight of the packaged absorbent article when it is unpacked and the weight of the absorbent article in its dried state by the weight of the absorbent article in its dried state is 0.1 or less.

[0011] Other features of the invention will become apparent from the description and drawings herein.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, in absorbent articles having hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, it is possible to suppress mold growth before use. Attached Figure Description

[0014] FIG. 1 This is a rough 3D diagram of Diaper 1.

[0015] FIG. 2 This is a plan view of diaper 1 in its unfolded and stretched state.

[0016] FIG. 3 yes FIG. 2 A rough cross-sectional view at line AA.

[0017] FIG. 4A This is a plan view of the absorbent body 10. FIG. 4B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent body 10.

[0018] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C This diagram illustrates the basic principles of moisture absorption and evaporation in diaper 1.

[0019] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C This diagram illustrates the folding method when packaging diapers 1.

[0020] FIG. 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating the structure of diaper 1 in its folded state.

[0021] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B This is a diagram showing an example of a diaper 1 in a folded state, packaged as a single unit.

[0022] FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B This is a diagram showing an example of multiple folded diapers arranged and wrapped together.

[0023] FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B This figure illustrates the method of installing the waist elastic member 35 onto the front waist part 30 using the welded part 60.

[0024] FIG. 11A This is a plan view of diaper 2 in its unfolded and stretched state. FIG. 11B yes FIG. 11A A rough cross-sectional view at line D-D.

[0025] FIG. 12A This is a plan view of diaper 3 in its unfolded and stretched state. FIG. 12B yes FIG. 12A A rough cross-sectional view at line E-E.

[0026] FIG. 13A This is a plan view of diaper 4 in its unfolded and stretched state. FIG. 13B yes FIG. 13A A rough cross-sectional view at line F-F.

[0027] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0028] 1. Diaper (absorbent material, shorts-type diaper) (First embodiment); 2. Diaper (absorbent material, shorts-type diaper) (Second embodiment); 3. Diaper (absorbent material, shorts-type diaper) (Third embodiment); 4. Diaper (absorbent material, belt-type diaper) (Fourth embodiment); 10. Absorbent body; 11. Absorbent core; 11b. Core packing sheet; 11c. Contraction section; 12. Top sheet; 13. Bottom sheet; 13a. Liquid-impermeable sheet (breathable membrane); 13b. Outer covering sheet; 15. Leak-proof wall 16. Leak-proof elastic component; 17. Leg circumference elastic component; 18. Side panel; 19. Back side elastic component; 20. Waist component; 21. Skin-friendly side panel (hydrophobic nonwoven fabric); 22. Non-skin-friendly side panel (hydrophilic nonwoven fabric); 25. Outer panel (hydrophilic nonwoven fabric); 26. Hook and loop fastener; 26f. Facial hook and loop fastener; 27. Target panel; 30. Front waist section; 30sw. Side section; 31. Skin-friendly side panel (hydrophobic nonwoven fabric); 32. Non-skin-friendly side panel (hydrophilic nonwoven fabric); 32f. Fold-back section; 32h 35. Opening; 36. Waist elastic member; 40. Skin-friendly side panel; 40. Rear waist section; 40b. Hip cover; 40sw. Side section; 41. Skin-friendly side panel (hydrophobic nonwoven fabric); 42. Non-skin-friendly side panel (hydrophilic nonwoven fabric); 42f. Fold-back section; 42h. Opening; 45. Waist elastic member; 46. Skin-friendly side panel; 47. Flexural elastic member; 50. Side joint; 60. Welded section; 60s. Welded section pair; 91. Part 1 (end area); 92. Part 2 (end area); 9 3. Part 3; 94. Part 4; 101. Packaging body (individual packaging); 102. Packaging body (multiple); 110. Packaging component; 111. Area; 112. Area; 115. Sealing part; 116. Sealing part; 120. Packaging component; 121. Opening part; 125. Sealing part; 126. Opening guide (easy tear line); F1. First fold line; F2. Second fold line; F3. Third fold line; BH. Waist opening; LH. Leg opening; CL. Central position (longitudinal direction, length direction). Detailed Implementation

[0029] Based on the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings, at least the following become clear.

[0030] An absorbent article comprising an absorbent body with liquid absorption properties and an outer casing disposed at a position closer to the skin than the absorbent body, characterized in that at least a portion of the outer casing on the side closest to the skin has a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric being configured such that the value obtained by dividing the difference between the weight of the packaged absorbent article when it is unpacked and the weight of the absorbent article in its dried state by the weight of the absorbent article in its dried state is 0.1 or less.

[0031] Based on this absorbent material, even when the outer casing has a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, the moisture content of the absorbent material before use can be suppressed to the same level as that of an absorbent material without a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric by appropriately configuring the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. This prevents mold growth or mildew from forming on the absorbent material before use.

[0032] For the absorbent article, it is preferred that it has intersecting vertical and horizontal directions, and that during packaging, at least one part of the vertical and horizontal directions is folded, such that in the folded state, at least a portion of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is not exposed to the outside.

[0033] According to this absorbent material, at least a portion of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is located inside the folded absorbent material and is not exposed to the outside. Therefore, the area of ​​the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric in contact with the atmosphere is reduced, inhibiting the absorption of moisture (humidity) from the atmosphere during the circulation of the absorbent material. This, in turn, inhibits the growth of mold and other defects in the absorbent material.

[0034] For this absorbent article, it is preferable that the area of ​​the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric exposed to the outside in the folded state of the absorbent article is less than 50% of the area of ​​the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric exposed to the outside in the folded state of the absorbent article.

[0035] According to such absorbent materials, compared with the absorbent material in its unfolded state, the area of ​​the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric exposed to the outside and potentially absorbing moisture from the atmosphere is reduced to less than half, thus making it easier to inhibit mold growth.

[0036] For this absorbent article, it is preferable that, in the folded state, at least a portion of the outer exposed surface is made of a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric with a lower hydrophilicity than the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric.

[0037] Based on this type of absorbent article, moisture (humidity) is difficult to penetrate the inner side of the folded absorbent article through the portion exposed to the outside of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. That is, moisture is difficult for the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric located on the inner side of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. Therefore, it is easy to inhibit mold growth and other problems in the absorbent article before use.

[0038] For the absorbent article, preferably, the absorbent body has an absorbent core containing a highly absorbent polymer, such that when the packaged absorbent article is opened, the amount of water per unit weight of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is less than the amount of water per unit weight of the absorbent core.

[0039] Based on such absorbent materials, the water absorption of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is at least less than that of SAP. Therefore, as an absorbent material as a whole, excessive water absorption is prevented, and mold growth is easily inhibited.

[0040] For this absorbent article, it is preferable that it has intersecting vertical and horizontal directions, and has a first fold line in the horizontal direction that folds the end region of one side back to the other side and a second fold line that folds the end region of the other side back to one side.

[0041] Based on this absorbent material, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is folded in the transverse direction (left-right direction) with the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric positioned on the inner side in the thickness direction. Therefore, the area of ​​the outwardly exposed portion of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is reduced, making it difficult for it to absorb moisture from the atmosphere. Furthermore, since the width of the absorbent material is reduced in the transverse direction, it can be compactly formed into a package, making it easy to distribute in the market.

[0042] For this absorbent article, it is preferable that, when viewed along the thickness direction, the end region on one side folded back at the first fold line and the end region on the other side folded back at the second fold line have an overlapping portion.

[0043] According to such absorbent materials, by stacking the folded portions together at least partially along the thickness direction, gaps are difficult to form in the stacked portions, making it difficult for moisture to enter the inner space. Therefore, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric placed on the folded inner side is less likely to absorb moisture, thus inhibiting mold growth.

[0044] For this absorbent article, it is preferable to have a third fold line that folds a region on one side back to the other side in the vertical direction.

[0045] According to this absorbent article, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is folded in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) with the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric facing each other, and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is disposed on the inner side in the thickness direction. As a result, the area of ​​the outwardly exposed part of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is reduced, making it difficult to absorb moisture from the atmosphere. In addition, since the length of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction is shortened, it can be compactly formed into a package, thereby making it easy to circulate in the market.

[0046] Preferably, the absorbent body has an absorbent core containing a highly absorbent polymer, and when the absorbent article is viewed in a folded state along the thickness direction, the absorbent core overlaps with the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric.

[0047] In this absorbent material, a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric and an absorbent core are overlapped, allowing some moisture to be absorbed by the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, thus reducing the amount of moisture reaching the absorbent core. Consequently, the amount of moisture absorbed by the absorbent core is reduced. Therefore, the absorbent material as a whole reduces moisture absorption and effectively inhibits mold growth.

[0048] For this absorbent article, it is preferable that, when the absorbent article is viewed in its folded state along the thickness direction, the absorbent core has an overlapping portion with the multiple layers of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric.

[0049] According to this absorbent article, by increasing the number of layers of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric arranged overlapping with the absorbent core, less moisture reaches the absorbent core through these layers of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, thus reducing the amount of moisture absorbed by the absorbent core. Consequently, the absorbent article as a whole can further reduce the amount of moisture absorbed, easily inhibiting mold growth, etc.

[0050] Furthermore, an absorbent article packaging body is specified, which is formed by packaging an absorbent article using a packaging member. The absorbent article has an absorbent body with liquid absorption and an outer component disposed at a position closer to the non-skin side than the absorbent body. The outer component is characterized in that at least a portion of the surface closest to the non-skin side has a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is configured such that the value obtained by dividing the difference between the weight of the absorbent article when the packaging body is opened and the weight of the absorbent article in its dry state by the weight of the absorbent article in its dry state is 0.1 or less.

[0051] According to this type of absorbent packaging, even when the outer casing of the absorbent item is made of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, the moisture content of the absorbent item before use can be suppressed to the same level as that of an absorbent item without hydrophilic nonwoven fabric by appropriately configuring the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. Therefore, mold growth or mold propagation of the absorbent item before use can be suppressed.

[0052] For the packaging of this absorbent article, it is preferable that the packaging component is a sheet component made of resin with leak-proof properties.

[0053] Based on this type of absorbent packaging, by using a leak-proof resin sheet (film) to package the absorbent item, it is possible to easily prevent moisture from seeping through the packaging structure into the interior of the packaging. As a result, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of the absorbent item is less likely to absorb moisture, thus preventing mold growth and other problems before use.

[0054] For the absorbent article packaging, it is preferable that the absorbent article, in its folded state, is packaged individually using the packaging member.

[0055] By using this type of absorbent packaging, which integrates the absorbent item into individual packages with leak-proof packaging components, moisture is difficult to penetrate the interior of the individual package, effectively preventing the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric from absorbing moisture and causing the absorbent item to mold. Furthermore, since the absorbent item can be distributed in the market as an individual item, handling becomes easier, improving user convenience.

[0056] For this absorbent article packaging, it is preferable that multiple absorbent articles in a folded state are arranged and packaged using the packaging component.

[0057] By using this type of absorbent packaging to package multiple absorbent items together with leak-proof packaging components, moisture is difficult to penetrate into the interior of the packaging, effectively inhibiting the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric from absorbing moisture and causing the absorbent items to mold. Furthermore, since absorbent items can be distributed in the market in multiple units, a stable and sufficient supply of absorbent items can be provided to users.

[0058] Preferably, the absorbent article packaging has a vertical direction, and at the fold line that folds one side of the vertical direction back to the other side, the absorbent article is folded in the vertical direction, so that the fold line faces the vertically upward side.

[0059] With this type of absorbent packaging, the heavier absorbent core tends to be located on the lower side vertically, thus lowering the center of gravity and making it easier to maintain the folded state of the absorbent item, preventing it from deforming when stored in the packaging. Furthermore, maintaining the folded state helps prevent the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric from being exposed to the outside.

[0060] For the absorbent article packaging, it is preferable that the proportion of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric in the vertical direction relative to the surface area of ​​the portion above the center of the absorbent article in the folded state is greater than the proportion of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric in the vertical direction relative to the surface area of ​​the portion below the center.

[0061] Because of the smaller proportion of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric in the lower area of ​​this absorbent packaging, the amount of moisture absorbed by the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric can be reduced even when heavier water moves to the lower side. This effectively inhibits mold growth.

[0062] Preferably, the absorbent article packaging has an opening guide, which is formed by multiple slits that penetrate the packaging member along the thickness direction and are arranged intermittently in a predetermined direction. The absorbent article packaging has a portion in which the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of the absorbent article does not contact the opening guide.

[0063] According to this absorbent packaging, even if moisture in the atmosphere enters the interior of the packaging through the crack in the opening guide, the moisture is difficult to come into contact with the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, thus easily inhibiting the absorption of moisture by the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric.

[0064] For the absorbent article packaging, preferably, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of the absorbent article does not come into contact with the opening guide portion as a whole.

[0065] According to this absorbent packaging, even if moisture from the atmosphere enters the interior of the packaging through the crack in the opening guide, the moisture is less likely to come into contact with the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, thus easily inhibiting the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric from absorbing moisture.

[0066] Preferably, the absorbent article packaging has a vertical direction, and at the fold line where one side of the vertical direction is folded back to the other side, the absorbent article is folded in the vertical direction so that neither the folded front nor the folded back side is opposite to the opening guide.

[0067] According to this type of absorbent packaging, since the wider portion of the absorbent in its folded state is not opposite to the opening guide, the likelihood of moisture entering through the crack in the opening guide coming into contact with the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is reduced, thus easily suppressing the absorption of moisture by the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric.

[0068] ===First Implementation Method===

[0069] As an absorbent article of the present invention, a disposable diaper (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 1") will be described as an example. However, the absorbent articles of the present invention also include sanitary napkins, panty liners, and other absorbent articles.

[0070] <Structure of Diaper 1>

[0071] FIG. 1 This is a rough 3D diagram of Diaper 1. FIG. 2 This is a plan view of diaper 1 in its unfolded and stretched state. FIG. 3 yes FIG. 2 A schematic cross-sectional view at line AA. Furthermore, the “stretched state” of diaper 1 refers to the state in which diaper 1 as a whole (the product as a whole) is stretched without wrinkles. Specifically, it refers to the state in which the dimensions of each component constituting diaper 1 (such as the absorbent body 10, waist member 20, etc., described later) are the same as or close to the dimensions of the individual component.

[0072] Diaper 1 is a disposable diaper that has a shorts-like shape when in its natural state. FIG. 1 In its shorts-style configuration, the diaper 1 has intersecting vertical, horizontal, and front-back directions, and includes a waist opening (BH) and a pair of leg openings (LH, LH). The upper side of the vertical opening (BH) corresponds to the waist opening (BH), and the lower side corresponds to the crotch area. Furthermore, the front side of the front opening corresponds to the wearer's abdomen, and the back side corresponds to the wearer's back. Additionally, in... FIG. 2 In its unfolded state, diaper 1 has intersecting longitudinal and transverse directions. The longitudinal direction is along... FIG. 1 The vertical direction corresponds to the length direction of the absorbent body 10. The horizontal direction is along... FIG. 1 The left and right directions within. Additionally, such as... FIG. 3 As shown, the direction in which the materials constituting diaper 1 are layered is defined as the thickness direction. The side in the thickness direction that comes into contact with the wearer's skin is defined as the skin side, and the opposite side is defined as the non-skin side.

[0073] The diaper 1 has an absorbent body 10 that absorbs excrement and a waist member 20 disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10. The waist member 20 is an outer garment component constituting the outer garment of the diaper 1, having a front waist portion 30 corresponding to the front piece of the diaper 1 and a rear waist portion 40 corresponding to the back piece of the diaper 1. That is, the diaper 1 of the first embodiment is a so-called three-piece shorts-type diaper, which has an absorbent body 10 as a first component that fits against the crotch of the wearer and absorbs excrement such as urine, a front waist portion 30 as a second component that covers the abdominal side of the wearer, and a rear waist portion 40 as a third component that covers the back side of the wearer.

[0074] exist FIG. 2 In its unfolded state, with the front waist section 30 and the rear waist section 40 arranged parallel to each other at intervals along the longitudinal direction, the absorbent body 10 is positioned between them. Simultaneously, the ends 10ea and 10eb of the absorbent body 10 along its length (longitudinal direction) are respectively joined and fixed to the skin side of the nearest waist section 30 and 40, resulting in an approximate H-shape when viewed in plan view. Furthermore, from this state, the absorbent body 10 is folded in half with the central position CL in the longitudinal direction as the folding position. In this folded state, the side portions 30sw and 40sw of the front waist section 30 and the rear waist section 40, which are opposite each other, are joined and connected to each other in the left and right directions, forming a pair of side joints 50, 50. That is, the front waist section 30 and the rear waist section 40 are formed into a ring shape using a pair of side joints 50, 50. Moreover, the side joints 50 are formed by known joining methods such as welding and bonding. This results in... FIG. 1 The diaper 1 shown is in a shorts-like state with a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH, LH.

[0075] (Absorbent Subject 10)

[0076] FIG. 4A This is a plan view of the absorbent body 10. FIG. 4B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent body 10. The absorbent body 10 has an absorbent core 11 for absorbing excrement, a top sheet 12 disposed on the skin side in the thickness direction of the absorbent core 11, and a bottom sheet 13 disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11. However, the absorbent body 10 may also have sheet members other than those described above. For example, the absorbent body 10 may also have an auxiliary sheet (not shown) between the top sheet 12 and the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction.

[0077] The absorbent core 11 is a component that absorbs and retains excretory fluids such as urine, and is formed, for example, from liquid-absorbent fibers such as pulp fibers incorporating highly absorbent polymers (SAP). Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface of the absorbent core 11 can also be covered by a liquid-permeable sheet component (core sheet 11b) such as cotton paper or nonwoven fabric. In this embodiment, the absorbent core 11 has a narrowed portion 11c, which decreases in width in the left-right direction, between its front and rear ends in the longitudinal direction, and has... FIG. 4A The shape is roughly hourglass when viewed in plan view. The contraction section 11c is the part that sits between the wearer's legs when the diaper 1 is worn. The length of this part decreases (the width decreases) in the left-right direction, so that the absorbent core 11 can easily fit the wearer's crotch.

[0078] The top sheet 12 is a liquid-permeable sheet, such as a hydrophilic hot-air nonwoven fabric or spunbond nonwoven fabric. In this embodiment, for example... FIG. 4B As shown, the two sides of the top sheet 12 in the left-right direction are folded back towards the non-skin side to roll in the absorbent core 11.

[0079] The backing sheet 13 has a two-layer structure consisting of a liquid-impermeable sheet 13a and an outer covering sheet 13b disposed on the non-skin side of the liquid-impermeable sheet 13a. The liquid-impermeable sheet 13a is a sheet member that is both liquid-impermeable and moisture-permeable. For example, a microporous, breathable resin membrane with multiple fine pores, primarily composed of resins such as polyethylene or polypropylene, can be used. In this specification, the liquid-impermeable sheet 13a is also referred to as a "breathable membrane." That is, a breathable membrane is a sheet member that has "leak-proof" properties (preventing liquid from passing through) but "moisture-permeable" and "breathable" properties (allowing water vapor and air to pass through). On the other hand, the outer covering sheet 13b is made of a soft, hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. For example, hot-air nonwoven fabric or spunbond nonwoven fabric can be used.

[0080] A pair of leak-proof wall portions 15 are provided on both sides of the absorbent body 10 in the left-right direction along the longitudinal direction (the length direction of the absorbent body 10). In this embodiment, the leak-proof wall portions 15 are formed by the aforementioned outer sheet 13b. Specifically, in the left-right direction (lateral direction), a portion of the outer sheet 13b extends outward from both ends of the absorbent core 11, while... FIG. 4B As shown, the diaper bends towards the skin at multiple points, thereby forming a pair of leak-proof wall portions 15. An elastic leak-proof member 16, such as a rubber band, is attached to the skin-side end (top portion) of the leak-proof wall portion 15 in a state of elongation along the longitudinal direction (the length direction of the absorbent body 10). When the diaper 1 is worn, based on the elasticity exhibited by the leak-proof member 16, the leak-proof wall portion 15 rises towards the wearer's skin and conforms to the wearer's crotch area.

[0081] Furthermore, elastic leg bands or other leg band members 17 are installed on both sides of the absorbent body 10 in a longitudinal direction (the length direction of the absorbent body 10). When the diaper 1 is worn, the elastic leg band members 17 exhibit elasticity, causing the sides of the absorbent body 10 to contract and easily conform to the wearer's leg circumference.

[0082] (Front waist 30)

[0083] like FIG. 3 As shown, the front waist section 30 has a skin side sheet 31 positioned closest to the skin in the thickness direction, a non-skin side sheet 32 ​​stacked adjacent to the non-skin side of the skin side sheet 31, and a waist elastic member 35 disposed between the skin side sheet 31 and the non-skin side sheet 32 ​​in the thickness direction. The front waist section 30, as an outer component of the diaper 1, is basically a two-layer structure of skin side sheet 31 and non-skin side sheet 32, but the front waist section 30 may also have a partial three-layer or more structure, such as the skin sheet 36 described later.

[0084] Skin side panel 31 and non-skin side panel 32 are as follows FIG. 2 The rectangular sheet members shown in planar view are formed, for example, from SMS nonwoven fabric. Furthermore, in diaper 1, the sheet member (nonwoven fabric) constituting the non-skin side panel 32 has a higher hydrophilicity than the sheet member (nonwoven fabric) constituting the skin side panel 31. That is, the skin side panel 31 is made of a nonwoven fabric with lower hydrophilicity, while the non-skin side panel 32 is made of a nonwoven fabric with higher hydrophilicity than the skin side panel 31. Hereinafter, the nonwoven fabric constituting the skin side panel 31 will be referred to as "hydrophobic nonwoven fabric," and the nonwoven fabric constituting the non-skin side panel 32 will be referred to as "hydrophilic nonwoven fabric." The "hydrophilicity" of the nonwoven fabric will be explained later.

[0085] In addition, multiple such features are provided on the surface of the non-skin side sheet 32. FIG. 2 The enlarged view shows the opening 32h. The opening 32h is a through-hole extending along the thickness direction through the non-skin side panel 32. By providing this opening 32h, the breathability of the front waist section 30 can be improved. Furthermore, by positioning the opening 32h on the non-skin side of the front waist section 30 in a visually recognizable manner, the user can easily recall that the front waist section 30 has good breathability. Each opening 32h can, for example, be a circular shape with a diameter of approximately 1 mm, but the shape and arrangement (number and pattern) of the opening 32h can be appropriately changed. In addition, in the diaper 1, no through-holes equivalent to the opening 32h are provided on the skin side panel 31.

[0086] In this embodiment, the front waist portion 30 has a folded-back portion 32f, which is formed by folding back the upper end (front end in the longitudinal direction) of the non-skin side piece 32 from the non-skin side to the skin side and from the front to the rear in the longitudinal direction. This folded-back portion 32f covers a portion (upper end) of the skin side piece 31, thereby preventing the upper edge of the skin side piece 31 from getting stuck into the wearer's skin. However, it is not necessarily required to provide the folded-back portion 32f.

[0087] Multiple elastic waist members 35 are arranged vertically between the skin side panel 31 and the non-skin side panel 32, and are installed in a state of extension in the left and right direction. Utilizing the elasticity of the elastic waist members 35, the front waist section 30 fits snugly against the wearer's abdominal waist.

[0088] The waist elastic member 35 can be installed using an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive. For example, by applying a hot melt adhesive to the waist elastic member 35, the waist elastic member 35 is elongated at a predetermined elongation ratio and held between the skin side piece 31 and the non-skin side piece 32, thereby enabling the installation of the waist elastic member 35. That is, the skin side piece 31 and the non-skin side piece 32 are joined together with the waist elastic member 35 using an adhesive. Alternatively, the waist elastic member 35 can be installed either by applying an adhesive to the skin side piece 31 side or the non-skin side piece 32 side, or by using the welding method of the welding portion 60 described later.

[0089] Additionally, the front waist section 30 may also have a skin panel 36. For example... FIG. 3 As shown, the skin sheet 36 is a sheet member configured to cover the upper end (front end in the longitudinal direction) of the absorbent body 10 from the skin side, and functions as a cover sheet. This prevents the upper edge of the absorbent body 10 from getting stuck into the wearer's skin when the diaper 1 is worn. The skin sheet 36 is formed, for example, from SMS nonwoven fabric. Furthermore, it is not necessarily required to provide a skin sheet 36.

[0090] In the front waist section 30 of this embodiment, when sheet members are provided at positions closer to the skin side than the skin-side sheet 31 or closer to the non-skin-side sheet 32, each sheet is configured to cover only a portion of the skin-side sheet 31 and a portion of the non-skin-side sheet 32. For example, FIG. 3 The skin face piece 36 is configured to cover only a portion of the skin side of the skin side piece 31, and at least a portion of the skin side piece 31 is exposed to the skin side of the wearer.

[0091] (Rear waist 40)

[0092] The rear waist section 40 has a structure substantially the same as that of the front waist section 30. Specifically, the rear waist section 40 has a skin-side sheet 41 positioned closest to the skin in the thickness direction, a non-skin-side sheet 42 stacked adjacent to the skin-side sheet 41 on the non-skin side, and a waist elastic member 45 disposed between the skin-side sheet 41 and the non-skin-side sheet 42 in the thickness direction. Furthermore, similar to the front waist section 30, the rear waist section 40 may also have an opening 42h, a folded-back portion 42f, a skin-side sheet 46, etc. (see reference). FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 Since the structure of each component is roughly the same as that of the components of the front waist section 30, the description is omitted.

[0093] On the other hand, the shape of the rear waist section 40 differs from that of the front waist section 30. Specifically, as... FIG. 2 As shown, the rear waist portion 40 has a hip cover 40b that is approximately trapezoidal in shape compared to the lower part of the side joint portion 50 (side portion 40sw) in the vertical direction. The hip cover 40b is a portion in which the width in the horizontal direction narrows from the upper side to the lower side in the vertical direction, and the outer edge of the hip cover 40b is curved. By providing the hip cover 40b, the rear waist portion 40 can cover the wearer's buttocks more widely when the diaper 1 is worn.

[0094] Additionally, the buttock bra 40b is equipped with... FIG. 2 The elastic member 47, such as a rubber band, is shown. The elastic member 47 is installed between the skin side piece 41 and the non-skin side piece 42 in a state of elongation along the end edge of the buttock cover 40b. The elasticity of the elastic member 47 makes it easy for the buttock cover 40b of the back waist part 40 to fit the wearer's buttocks when wearing the diaper 1. In addition, the buttock cover 40b is difficult to roll up from the buttocks.

[0095] <Regarding the hydrophilicity of sheet components>

[0096] The hydrophilicity of the sheet components will be explained here. In diaper 1, hydrophobic nonwoven fabric is used as the skin side sheets 31 and 41 constituting the outer components, namely the waist components 20 (front waist portion 30 and rear waist portion 40), and the outer sheet 13b of the absorbent body 10. On the other hand, hydrophilic nonwoven fabric with higher hydrophilicity than hydrophobic nonwoven fabric is used as the non-skin side sheets 32 and 42 constituting the waist components 20.

[0097] The hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of this embodiment is obtained by improving the hydrophilicity of a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric through attaching a predetermined oil agent (hydrophilic treatment). As the oil agent used in the hydrophilic treatment, commercially available oil agents that act as antistatic agents for fibers, such as anionic oil agents, nonionic oil agents, and mixtures thereof, can be used. These oil agents are added to an oil bath and oiled using an oiling roller or the like, thereby improving the hydrophilicity of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric and obtaining a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. However, hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics can also be formed by other methods. For example, a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric can also be obtained by manufacturing a nonwoven fabric using fibers with high hydrophilicity.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the nonwoven fabric constituting the non-skin side panels 32 and 42 is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment to improve the overall hydrophilicity of each panel component. However, it is also possible to improve the hydrophilicity only in localized areas of each panel component. For example, by performing a hydrophilic treatment only on localized areas of the non-skin side panel 32, the panel component can be configured to have locally higher hydrophilicity and less hydrophilicity.

[0099] The hydrophilicity of the sheet component can be evaluated by measuring the contact angle when ion-exchange water comes into contact with the surface of the sheet component. Specifically, if the contact angle between the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric and ion-exchange water is smaller than that between the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric and ion-exchange water, then the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric has higher hydrophilicity than the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. As the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric (non-skin side sheet 32, etc.) used in this embodiment, the contact angle with ion-exchange water is preferably less than 90°, more preferably less than 50°. On the other hand, as the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric (skin side sheet 31), the contact angle with ion-exchange water is preferably more than 90°, more preferably more than 120°.

[0100] For example, the contact angle can be measured using the MCA-J contact angle meter manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd., by the following method: First, drop approximately 20 picoliters of ion-exchanged water onto the surface of the fibers constituting the sheet member to be measured (the sheet being measured), and then immediately measure the contact angle using the contact angle meter. Measurements are taken at multiple locations (e.g., five or more locations) on the surface of the sheet being measured, and the average value is taken as the contact angle. Furthermore, the ambient temperature for measurement is set to 22°C.

[0101] Alternatively, one can photograph the measured piece with ion-exchanged water dropped on it from the cross-sectional direction of the measured piece, analyze the photographed image, and measure the angle between the ion-exchanged water droplet and the measured piece, thereby measuring the contact angle.

[0102] <Regarding the absorption and transpiration of moisture in diaper 1>

[0103] In diaper 1, a highly hydrophilic nonwoven fabric with high hydrophilicity is provided on the non-skin side of the outer components (front waist part 30, back waist part 40), which can absorb moisture such as sweat from the wearer's skin and cause the absorbed moisture to evaporate into the atmosphere. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C This diagram illustrates the basic principle of moisture absorption and evaporation in diaper 1. Figure 5 schematically shows a cross-section of the front waist section 30, one of the components constituting diaper 1.

[0104] First, when the wearer is wearing diaper 1, such as FIG. 5A As shown, the skin side panel 31 (hydrophobic nonwoven fabric) of the front waist portion 30, positioned on the skin side in the thickness direction, contacts the wearer's skin. As described above, the skin side panel 31 of this embodiment is made of SMS nonwoven fabric and contains meltblown fibers with a fiber diameter finer than that of spunbond fibers. Therefore, the skin side panel 31 has a portion where the finer meltblown fibers are tightly wound, narrowing the distance between the fibers. According to this structure, a capillary effect is generated in the skin side panel 31, thereby easily absorbing moisture such as sweat adhering to the wearer's skin.

[0105] Next, as FIG. 5B As shown, moisture absorbed by the skin-side sheet 31 is transferred to the adjacent non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​(hydrophilic nonwoven fabric) layered on top of the skin-side sheet 31. This is because the skin-side sheet 31 is a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, while the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​is a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, thus creating a difference in hydrophilicity (hydrophilic gradient) between the two sheets. Moisture easily moves from the less hydrophilic skin-side sheet 31 to the more hydrophilic non-skin-side sheet 32. Therefore, moisture is difficult to retain on the skin-side sheet 31, which is in contact with the wearer's skin, and is more easily retained on the non-skin-side sheet 32, which is not in contact with the wearer's skin.

[0106] Moisture retained in the non-skin side panel 32 evaporates into the atmosphere from the non-skin side of the non-skin side panel 32. In the diaper 1, the non-skin side panel 32 is disposed on the outermost (non-skin side) surface of the absorbent body 10. That is, the non-skin side of the non-skin side panel 32 becomes the interface with the atmosphere. Therefore, the moisture contained inside the non-skin side panel 32 can be efficiently evaporated from a wider area of ​​the non-skin side to the outside of the diaper 1. However, it is not necessary to provide a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric as a whole on the outermost non-skin side surface of the outer component. For example, other components (such as strap components) different from the non-skin side panel 32 can be provided locally on the outermost non-skin side surface of the outer component.

[0107] Thus, in diaper 1, the outer components (waistband component 20) are provided with hydrophilic nonwoven fabric (non-skin side panels 32, 42), which can absorb and evaporate the wearer's sweat during wear. However, since there is a possibility that the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric may also absorb moisture from the atmosphere, the outer components of diaper 1 may become damp before use, potentially leading to mold growth. For example, if the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric absorbs moisture while diaper 1 is circulating in the market in its packaged state, diaper 1 may be in a moldy state when the user opens the package, thus rendering it unusable even if it is a new product.

[0108] Therefore, in this embodiment, the folding and packaging methods of diapers 1 distributed in the market are adjusted to suppress the absorption of moisture by the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric before use, thereby preventing mold growth. The means for suppressing the absorption of moisture by the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric will be described in detail below.

[0109] <Regarding the packaging of Diaper 1>

[0110] Diaper 1 is circulated in the market in a state where it is folded into a compact shape and packaged using predetermined packaging components. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C This diagram illustrates the folding method for packaging diaper 1. Furthermore, in FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C Folding in the middle, such as FIG. 1 The method for forming the diaper 1 into a shorts-like state will be described. That is, in FIG. 6A The diaper 1 is pre-folded at the moment it begins to fold. FIG. 2 The unfolded state begins with folding at the central position CL in the longitudinal direction. Additionally, FIG. 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the diaper 1 in its folded state. For ease of explanation, in this... FIG. 7 The local structure is simplified as shown in Part 1 (91, Part 2 (92, etc.) as described later.

[0111] like FIG. 6A As shown, for diaper 1, firstly, the ends on both sides in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) are folded from the outside to the inside. Specifically, one side of diaper 1 in the left-right direction (in... FIG. 6A The end region 91 (on the left side) bends at the fold line F1 along the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) to the other side (right side) in the left-right direction. Hereinafter, the fold line F1 will also be referred to as "the first fold line F1", and the end region 91 on the left-right side of the diaper 1 that is further from the first fold line F1 will be referred to as "the first part 91". Similarly, the other side (on the left-right direction) of the diaper 1... FIG. 6AThe end region 92 (right side) bends to one side (left side) in the left-right direction at the fold line F2 along the vertical direction. Hereinafter, the fold line F2 will also be referred to as "the second fold line F2", and the end region 92 in the diaper 1 that is on the left-right side of the second fold line F2 will also be referred to as "the second part 92".

[0112] exist FIG. 6A In the diaper 1, the first fold line F1 and the second fold line F2 are positioned at both ends of the absorbent body 10 in the left-right direction. In the diaper 1, the stiffness of the portion with the absorbent body 10 and the portion without it differs. Therefore, by setting the fold lines F1 and F2 at such positions, the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 can be easily folded based on the stiffness difference. However, the configuration of the first fold line F1 and the second fold line F2 is not limited to this; they can be configured in other positions, or they can be set at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction.

[0113] In addition, FIG. 6A In the middle, parts 1 (91) and 2 (92) are folded towards the front of the diaper 1. That is, they are folded with the front waist part 30 as the inside and the back waist part 40 as the outside, but they can also be folded to the opposite side.

[0114] In the folded state of Part 1, 91 and Part 2, 92, as follows: FIG. 6B As shown, part 1 91 and part 2 92 have overlapping portions. In other words, the diaper 1 is folded in such a way that part 1 91 and part 2 92 at least partially overlap when viewed along the thickness direction. The reason for this will be explained later.

[0115] Next, from FIG. 6B The diaper 1 is folded in half vertically (longitudinally) with parts 1 (91) and 2 (92) as the inside. Specifically, one side of the diaper 1 in the vertical direction (in...) FIG. 6A The lower part 93 is folded at the fold line F3 along the left-right direction (horizontal direction) to the other side (upper side) in the vertical direction, and is folded in a way that coincides with the first part 91 and the second part 92. Hereinafter, the fold line F3 will also be referred to as "the third fold line F3", the lower part of the diaper 1 that is on the vertical direction above the third fold line F3 will also be referred to as "the third part 93", and the upper part that is on the vertical direction above the third fold line F3 will also be referred to as "the fourth part 94".

[0116] Preferably, the third fold line F3 is positioned in the thickness direction at a position that does not overlap with the absorbent core 11. In the diaper 1, the absorbent core 11 has high stiffness; therefore, when the diaper 1 is to bend at a position overlapping with the absorbent core 11, the restoring force of the absorbent core 11 makes it difficult to maintain the folded state. In this embodiment, the third fold line F3 is positioned in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) above the upper end of the absorbent core 11, thereby facilitating the maintenance of the folded state of the diaper 1 (see reference). FIG. 7 ).

[0117] By bending at the first fold line F1 to the third fold line F3, diaper 1 can be set as... FIG. 6C The diaper 1 is shown in a compact, folded state. In this folded state, the diaper 1 is packaged using a predetermined packaging component, serving as the packaging body for the diaper 1 (see below). FIG. 8B and FIG. 9B And it circulates in the market.

[0118] The folded diaper 1 is folded at the center position CL in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction), and then folded again at the third fold line F3. That is, from FIG. 2 From its unfolded state, it can be folded into four folds (see reference). FIG. 7 At this point, the non-skin-friendly side panels 32 and 42, formed of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, are partially located inside the folded diaper 1 and are not exposed to the outside. For example, in FIG. 7 In the first part 91 and the second part 92, the non-skin side panels 32 and 42 are sandwiched between the third part 93 and the fourth part 94 in the thickness direction and are not exposed to the outside (atmosphere). In the fourth part 94, the non-skin side panel 32 of the front waist part 30 is sandwiched between the rear waist part 40 and the third part 93 in the thickness direction and is not exposed to the outside (atmosphere).

[0119] That is, in the folded state of the diaper 1, at least the non-skin side panels 32 and 42 (hydrophilic nonwoven fabric) of the first part 91 and the second part 92, and the non-skin side panel 32 (hydrophilic nonwoven fabric) of the fourth part 94 are configured not to be exposed to the outside, making it difficult for them to come into contact with the atmosphere. Moreover, by using packaging components such as resin films to package the folded diaper 1, it is even more difficult for the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric to come into contact with the atmosphere. As a result, during the circulation of the diaper 1, it is easy to prevent the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric from naturally absorbing moisture (humidity) from the atmosphere and from becoming damp and moldy.

[0120] In the diaper 1 of this embodiment, by configuring the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric in a way that makes it difficult for it to come into contact with the atmosphere, mold growth can be inhibited. Specifically, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is configured such that the moisture content of the diaper 1 when the packaged diaper 1 (the packaging of the diaper 1) is opened is 10% or less. Here, "moisture content" refers to the proportion of the increase in weight of the diaper 1 when it contains moisture and becomes heavier at the time of opening, relative to the increase in weight of the diaper 1 when it does not contain moisture. That is, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is configured such that the value obtained by dividing the difference between the weight of the diaper 1 when the packaged diaper 1 (the packaging of the diaper 1) is opened and the weight of the diaper 1 in its dry state by the weight of the diaper 1 in its dry state is 0.1 or less.

[0121] As described above, the absorbent core 11 of the absorbent body 10 is composed of a highly absorbent polymer (SAP) that readily absorbs moisture. Therefore, even assuming the absence of a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, there is a possibility that it will absorb a certain amount of moisture and increase in weight during its market circulation. For example, in existing disposable diapers where the outer casing (corresponding to the waist component 20) is made solely of a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, there is sometimes a certain moisture content at the moment of opening from the packaging state due to the absorption of moisture by the SAP.

[0122] In contrast, in the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the outer component (waist component 20) includes a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric (non-skin side panels 32, 42), and this hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is appropriately arranged to suppress the absorption of moisture (humidity) before use, thereby suppressing the moisture content to 10% or less. That is, compared with disposable diapers that do not have a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, the moisture content is suppressed from becoming excessively high, thereby suppressing mold growth or mold reproduction on the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric.

[0123] Furthermore, the "moisture content" can be measured by actually measuring the weight of diaper 1. For example, an electronic balance can be prepared in advance to measure and record the weight of diaper 1 immediately after opening the package. Then, diaper 1 is placed in an oven and heated at 110°C for 120 minutes to evaporate the moisture, and the weight in the dry state is measured and recorded. Then, the moisture content of diaper 1 at the time of opening can be calculated by dividing the difference between the weight of diaper 1 at the time of opening (weight containing moisture) and the weight of diaper 1 in the dry state (weight without moisture) by the weight of diaper 1 in the dry state. In addition, when multiple diapers 1 are contained in one package, the weight of at least two diapers 1 can be measured using the above method, and their arithmetic mean can be used as the measurement result.

[0124] Furthermore, preferably, when the packaging of diaper 1 is opened, the amount of moisture contained per unit weight (g) of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is less than the amount of moisture contained per unit weight (g) of the absorbent core 11. The superabsorbent polymer (SAP) contained in the absorbent core 11 has higher absorbency than the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric and readily absorbs moisture. That is, the amount of moisture contained in the absorbent core 11 should generally be greater than the amount of moisture contained in the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. If the amount of moisture contained in the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is greater than the amount of moisture contained in the absorbent core 11, there is a higher possibility of malfunctions such as concentrated contact of moisture with the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric during the circulation of diaper 1. In such a case, the overall absorbency of diaper 1 becomes excessively high, which may cause the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric to mold or lose its proper absorbency. In contrast, if the amount of moisture per unit weight of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric at the time of opening is less than the amount of moisture per unit weight of the absorbent core 11, then the possibility of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric absorbing excessive moisture is lower, at least during circulation. Therefore, the possibility of the diaper 1 as a whole absorbing excessive moisture is also lower, making it easier to inhibit mold growth.

[0125] Additionally, as shown in Figure 6 and FIG. 7 As explained, the diaper 1 is folded at least at any point (fold line) in the longitudinal and transverse directions to a state in which at least part of the non-skin side panels 32, 42 (hydrophilic nonwoven fabric) constituting the outer garment member (waist member 20) are not exposed to the outside. Furthermore, it is preferable that, in this folded state, the area of ​​the portion of the non-skin side panels 32, 42 (hydrophilic nonwoven fabric) exposed to the outside is smaller than that in the folded state of the diaper 1. FIG. 1 The area of ​​the non-skin side panels 32 and 42 (hydrophilic nonwoven fabric) exposed to the outside in the shorts-style configuration shown is 50%.

[0126] In this embodiment, such as FIG. 6A As shown, in Part 1 91 and Part 2 92, the non-skin side panel 32 (front waist section 30) is folded inwards, so that most of the non-skin side panel 32 is not exposed to the outside. Furthermore, as... FIG. 6B As shown, in section 4.94, the fold is made with the non-skin side panel 42 (back waist section 40) as the inside, thus partially concealing the non-skin side panel 42. Consequently, more than 50% of the total area of ​​the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric (non-skin side panels 32, 42) folded onto the outer garment member (waist section 20) of the diaper 1 is not exposed to the outside. Therefore, in the folded state of the diaper 1, compared to the pre-folded shorts-type state, the area of ​​the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, which has the potential to absorb moisture from the atmosphere, is reduced to less than half, making it easier to suppress mold growth.

[0127] Furthermore, in the folded state of diaper 1, at least a portion of the outer exposed surface is made of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. For example, in FIG. 7 In this configuration, the outer sheet 13b (hydrophobic nonwoven fabric) of the absorbent body 10 is exposed on the outer side of part 3 93. As illustrated in Figure 5, the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric sometimes absorbs liquids such as sweat due to capillary action, but it is difficult to absorb moisture as a gas (humidity) from the atmosphere. Therefore, through the portion with the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric exposed to the outside, moisture (humidity) is difficult to penetrate into the portion inside the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. Consequently, moisture is difficult to reach the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric and SAP disposed inside the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. Thus, it is easier to suppress the growth of mold caused by the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric absorbing moisture before the diaper 1 is used.

[0128] Furthermore, the folded diaper 1 has a first fold line F1 that folds the first part 91 on one side back to the other side in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) and a second fold line F2 that folds the second part 92 on the other side back to one side. This creates a portion folded such that the hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics face each other in the horizontal direction (left-right direction). That is, by arranging the opposing hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics on their inner sides in the thickness direction, the area of ​​the exposed portion on the outside is reduced, making it difficult for the diaper to absorb moisture from the atmosphere. Additionally, by folding the diaper 1 to reduce its width in the horizontal direction, a compact package of the diaper 1 can be formed when packaged using packaging components, facilitating its circulation.

[0129] At this point, it is preferable that, when viewed along the thickness direction, the first portion 91 bent by the first fold line F1 and the second portion 92 bent by the second fold line F2 at least partially overlap. In this embodiment, as... FIG. 6B As shown, the inner ends of the folded first part 91 in the transverse direction and the inner ends of the folded second part 92 in the transverse direction overlap in the thickness direction. When the first part 91 and the second part 92 do not overlap, gaps easily form in the thickness direction at the inner ends of the first part 91 and the second part 92 in the transverse direction, potentially allowing moisture to easily enter the space inside the fold. In contrast, in diaper 1, the inner ends of the first part 91 and the second part 92 in the transverse direction overlap (see reference). FIG. 6B This design makes it difficult for gaps to form on the inner side, preventing moisture from entering the folded inner space. Consequently, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric on the folded inner side is less likely to absorb moisture, thus inhibiting mold growth.

[0130] Furthermore, the folded diaper 1 has a third fold line F3 in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) where the third part 93 on one side is folded back to the other side. This creates a fold where the hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics are positioned opposite each other in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction). That is, by arranging the opposing hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics on their inner sides in the thickness direction, the area of ​​the exposed portion on the outside is reduced, making it difficult for the diaper to absorb moisture from the atmosphere. Additionally, by folding the diaper 1 to a shorter length in the longitudinal direction, a compact package of the diaper 1 can be formed when packaged using packaging components, facilitating its circulation.

[0131] Here, specific examples are given to illustrate a package made by packaging diapers 1 using predetermined packaging components. FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B This is a diagram showing an example of a diaper 1 in a folded state, packaged as a single unit. FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B This is a diagram showing an example of multiple folded diapers arranged and wrapped together.

[0132] When diaper 1 is packaged individually in its folded state, firstly as follows: FIG. 8A The folded diaper 1 is shown positioned on the packaging member 110. In this embodiment, the packaging member 110 is a leak-proof resin film, such as a polyethylene film. By using such a leak-proof film to package the diaper 1, it is easy to prevent moisture from permeating through the packaging member and entering the interior of the packaging. As a result, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of the diaper 1 is less likely to absorb moisture, thus preventing the diaper 1 from becoming moldy before use.

[0133] Furthermore, if only the function of packaging diaper 1 is considered, sheet components such as non-woven fabric or paper can also be used as packaging components 110. However, these sheet components may allow water to pass through, thus promoting the absorption of water by the hydrophilic non-woven fabric. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is preferable to use a leak-proof sheet component as described above.

[0134] After the diaper 1 is folded, the two ends of the packaging member 110 are bent inward at the fold lines L1 and L2 on both outer sides of the diaper 1 in the horizontal direction, thereby wrapping the diaper 1. FIG. 8A In the packaging component 110, the region 111, which is on the outer side (left side) of the bending line L1 in the horizontal direction, bends inward (right side), and the region 112, which is on the outer side (right side) of the bending line L2 in the horizontal direction, bends inward (left side).

[0135] Then, as FIG. 8BAs shown, the two end portions in the longitudinal direction are joined to each other in the transverse direction such that the packaging members 110 that overlap in the thickness direction form sealing portions 115, 115. Finally, the regions 111 and 112 of the packaging members 110 that overlap in the thickness direction are joined in the longitudinal direction to form a sealing portion 116. Thus, a package 101 is formed in which the folded diaper 1 is individually packaged using the packaging member 110. Hereinafter, the package 101 will also be referred to as the "individual package 101".

[0136] By individually packaging (independently packaging) and sealing the diaper 1 using a packaging member 110 having a leak-proof property like the package 101, moisture is difficult to enter the interior of the individual package 101, and it is possible to easily prevent the hydrophilic non-woven fabric from absorbing moisture and the diaper 1 from getting moldy. In addition, since the diaper 1 can be circulated in the market individually, handling becomes easier, and the convenience for users can be improved.

[0137] Next, in the case of packaging multiple folded diapers 1 together, first, as FIG. 9A shown, a packaging member 120 formed in a bag shape is prepared. The packaging member 120 is formed by shaping a resin film sheet having the same leak-proof property as the packaging member 110 into a bag shape with an opening 121 on the upper side in the vertical direction. In addition, in FIG. 9A , the packaging member 120 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and has a first direction and a second direction that are orthogonal to each other on a horizontal plane.

[0138] A plurality of folded diapers 1 are arranged side by side and stored in such a bag-shaped packaging member 120 through the opening 121 on the upper side in the vertical direction. An example in which seven folded diapers 1 are stored in a state of being arranged in the front and back along the first direction is shown in FIG. 9A . However, the direction and number of diapers 1 when stored in the packaging member 120 are not limited to the example in FIG. 9A . In addition, it may be that after the diaper 1 is made into the FIG. 8B shown individual package 101, a plurality of individual packages 101 are stored in the packaging member 120.

[0139] After a predetermined number of diapers 1 are stored in the packaging member 120, the opening 121 of the packaging member 120 is subjected to so-called gusset folding (Japanese: ガゼット折り), and the opposing surfaces are joined to each other along the first direction at the upper end to form a sealing portion 125. Thus, a package 102 is formed in which a plurality of folded diapers 1 are packaged using the packaging member 120.

[0140] By packaging and sealing multiple diapers 1 together using a leak-proof packaging component 120, such as packaging body 102, moisture is difficult to enter the interior of packaging body 102, which can easily inhibit the hydrophilic non-woven fabric from absorbing moisture and causing the diapers 1 to mold. In addition, since the diapers 1 can be distributed in the market in multiple units, a sufficient quantity of diapers 1 can be stably supplied to users.

[0141] Furthermore, preferably, an opening guide 126 is provided at a predetermined position on the packaging component 120 to facilitate the opening operation of the packaging body 102. FIG. 9B In this packaging, an opening guide 126 (so-called easy-tear line) is provided on the upper surface of the packaging body 102. This opening guide 126 has multiple slits intermittently arranged along the first direction, penetrating the packaging member 120 in the thickness direction. This allows the user to easily open the packaging body 102 and remove the diapers 1 one by one. Furthermore, the location of the opening guide 126 is not limited to the upper surface of the packaging body 102. For example, the opening guide 126 can also be provided on the side of the packaging body 102 along the vertical direction.

[0142] On the other hand, because of the opening guide 126 (tear line), it is possible that moisture in the atmosphere can enter the interior of the packaging body 102 through the crack in the opening guide 126. Therefore, it is preferable that the diaper 1 is stored in the packaging body 102 in such a way that the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of the folded diaper 1 and the opening guide 126 do not come into contact with each other. FIG. 9B In this case, a predetermined gap is provided in the vertical direction between the opening guide 126 and the stored diaper 1. In this way, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of the diaper 1 and the opening guide 126 are unlikely to come into contact in the packaging body 102, so it is easy to inhibit the absorption of moisture that has passed through the opening guide 126 by the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric.

[0143] Furthermore, more preferably, within the packaging body 102, the opening guide 126 does not come into contact with the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of the diaper 1, thereby easily suppressing the water absorption of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. For example, it is preferable to increase the gap (distance) between the opening guide 126 and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, or to additionally provide a leak-proof sheet between the opening guide 126 and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. FIG. 9B (Not shown in the diagram), thus the opening guide 126 does not come into contact with the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. In this way, within the packaging body 102, the opening guide 126 and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of the diaper 1 are less likely to come into contact, thereby making it easier to inhibit the water absorption of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric and making it less prone to mold growth.

[0144] Furthermore, it is preferable that each diaper 1 is stored in such a manner that the larger portion of the diaper 1 in its folded state when stored in the packaging body 102 is not opposite to the opening guide 126. For example, it is preferable that the opening guide 126 is not opposite to the front and back surfaces of the diaper 1 in its folded state at the third fold line F3 (in FIG. 6C The diapers 1 are arranged in a way that corresponds to the surfaces of Part 3 (93) and Part 4 (94) facing each other. A large area of ​​the outer surface of Part 4 (94) of the diaper 1 is provided with hydrophilic nonwoven fabric (non-skin side panel 42) (see reference). FIG. 7 Therefore, when the fourth part 94 is opposite to the opening guide 126, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of the fourth part 94 may easily absorb moisture that enters the interior through the opening guide 126. In contrast, in FIG. 9B In the package 102 shown, the larger third part 93 and fourth part 94 of the diaper 1 stored in the folded state are not opposite to the opening guide 126, thus inhibiting the absorption of moisture by the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric.

[0145] Furthermore, preferably, when multiple diapers 1 in a folded state are packaged together as in package body 102, each diaper 1 is as follows: FIG. 9A As shown, it is housed in packaging component 120 with the third fold line F3 pointing upwards in the vertical direction. (Similar to...) FIG. 7 As explained, the third fold line F3 is designed so that it does not overlap with the absorbent core 11 when the diaper 1 is folded. Therefore, when the diaper 1 is folded with the third fold line F3 facing vertically upward, the heavier absorbent core 11 is more likely to be located vertically downward. That is, the center of gravity of the diaper 1 is more likely to be located downward. In this case, compared with the case where the center of gravity is located upward, the shape of the diaper 1 is less likely to become deformed, and it is easier to maintain the folded state. Therefore, deformation of the diaper 1 stored inside the packaging 102 during its circulation in the market is suppressed. In addition, by maintaining the folded state, the exposure of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric to the outside can be suppressed.

[0146] Furthermore, when the diaper 1 is stored with the third fold line F3 pointing upwards in the vertical direction, in the folded state of the diaper 1, the proportion of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric relative to the surface area of ​​the portion above the center position in the vertical direction is larger than the proportion of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric relative to the surface area of ​​the portion below the center position in the vertical direction. For example, in FIG. 7In the folded diaper 1, in the area above the central position Cf in the vertical direction, the non-skin side panel 42 (hydrophilic nonwoven fabric) is exposed outwards, and the proportion of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric relative to the surface area of ​​this area is higher. On the other hand, in the area below the central position Cf in the vertical direction of the folded diaper 1, in part 3 93, the non-skin side panel 13b of the absorbent body 10 is exposed outwards, and therefore the proportion of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric relative to the surface area is lower.

[0147] Generally, moisture and other forms of water tend to move downwards in the vertical direction due to their own weight. Therefore, in diaper 1, if the proportion of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric on the surface of the area disposed in the vertical direction is relatively large, this hydrophilic nonwoven fabric may easily absorb moisture. In contrast, in this embodiment, the proportion of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric on the surface of the area disposed in the vertical direction is smaller than the proportion of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric on the surface of the area disposed in the upper direction. Therefore, the further the moisture moves downwards, the less moisture is absorbed by the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric as a whole in diaper 1. As a result, it is easier to suppress mold growth in diaper 1.

[0148] In addition, such as FIG. 7 As shown, when the folded diaper 1 is viewed along its thickness direction, the absorbent core 11 and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric overlap. The folded diaper 1 is easily exposed to atmospheric moisture in the third portion 93 and the fourth portion 94, which have larger surface areas. Therefore, assuming that the surfaces of the absorbent core 11 on both sides of the third portion 93 and the fourth portion 94 are exposed, it is possible for a large amount of moisture to be absorbed by the highly absorbent SAP. In contrast, in the diaper 1, at least on the side closer to the fourth portion 94 than the absorbent core 11, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric (non-skin side panels 32, 42) is arranged (see reference). FIG. 7 Therefore, compared to the case where the absorbent core 11 is arranged on both sides of the third part 93 and the fourth part 94, the amount of moisture absorbed by the diaper 1 as a whole can be reduced. That is, by arranging the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric overlapping with the absorbent core 11, the amount of moisture reaching the absorbent core 11 can be reduced, thereby reducing the amount of moisture absorbed by the absorbent core 11. Therefore, by utilizing the structure in which the absorbent core 11 and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric have overlapping portions in the thickness direction, the amount of moisture absorbed by the diaper 1 as a whole can be reduced, and mildew can be easily suppressed.

[0149] Furthermore, it is preferable that multiple layers of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric are provided in the portion where the absorbent core 11 overlaps with the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric in the thickness direction. By increasing the number of layers of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric arranged overlapping with the absorbent core 11, less moisture reaches the absorbent core 11 through these layers, thus further reducing the water absorption of the absorbent core 11. FIG. 7In this case, since at least six layers of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric (non-skin side panels 32, 42) are provided on the side with greater thickness than the absorbent core 11 (the fourth part 94 side), the likelihood of moisture reaching the absorbent core 11 through the six layers of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is low, even if moisture comes into contact with the surface of the fourth part 94. Therefore, the amount of moisture absorbed by the absorbent core 11 can be further reduced.

[0150] <Modified Examples of Installation Methods for Waist Elastic Members 35 and 45>

[0151] In the above embodiment, the waist elastic members 35 and 45 are installed on the waist member 20 using an adhesive method such as a hot melt adhesive. However, the installation method of the waist elastic members 35 and 45 is not limited to this. For example, the waist elastic members 35 and 45 can also be installed on the waist member 20 using a welding method such as ultrasonic welding. Furthermore, since ultrasonic welding is a known technology, a description of ultrasonic welding is omitted in this specification.

[0152] FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B This figure illustrates a method for mounting the waist elastic member 35 to the front waist section 30 using welded portions 60. In this modified example, the waist elastic member 35 is mounted to the front waist section 30 using multiple welded portions 60, 60... distributed in the left-right and up-down directions. Each welded portion 60 is formed into a generally rectangular shape by ultrasonic welding, joining the skin side panel 31 and non-skin side panel 32 of the front waist section 30 in the thickness direction. Furthermore, the waist elastic member 35 is clamped from both sides in the up-down direction by a pair of welded portions 60, 60 formed by two adjacent welded portions 60, 60 in the up-down direction, thereby mounting the waist elastic member 35 to the front waist section 30.

[0153] like FIG. 10A As shown, the pair of weld portions 60, 60 constituting the weld portion pair 60s are arranged with a vertical spacing GH60 between them. Furthermore, the size of the spacing GH60 is set to be the same as or slightly larger than the diameter d35t of the waist elastic member 35 in its extended state (GH60 ≥ d35t). That is, the waist elastic member 35 in its extended state is positioned vertically between the weld portions 60s.

[0154] Next, if the elastic member 35 of the waist relaxes from its extended state, then as FIG. 10BAs shown, the waist elastic member 35 contracts in the left-right direction while expanding in the up-down direction, and its diameter d35 in its natural state becomes larger than the vertical spacing GH60 of the welded portions 60s (d35 > GH60). Therefore, the waist elastic member 35 is sandwiched between the welded portions 60s in the up-down direction. This results in the waist elastic member 35 being mounted on the front waist portion 30.

[0155] In addition, FIG. 1 In the shorts-type diaper 1, the waist elastic member 35 (45) is in a natural state, relaxed from the aforementioned stretched state. Furthermore, in the shorts-type diaper 1, the waist elastic member 35 (45) is joined to the front waist portion 30 (back waist portion 40) via side joints 50, 50 on both sides in the left and right directions. Therefore, when wearing the diaper 1, even if the front waist portion 30 (back waist portion 40) stretches in the left and right directions, the waist elastic member 35 (45) will not detach from the waist member 20.

[0156] ===Second Implementation Method===

[0157] In the second embodiment, a shorts-type diaper 2 (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 2") with a structure that differs from that in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 11A This is a plan view of diaper 2 in its unfolded and stretched state. FIG. 11B yes FIG. 11A A schematic cross-sectional view at the D-D line. Furthermore, FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B The directions (e.g., longitudinal direction, transverse direction, etc.) are the same as those defined in the first embodiment.

[0158] The diaper 2 of the second embodiment has an absorbent body 10 that absorbs liquid and a waist member 20 that is attached to the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10 as an outer component. Additionally, as... FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B As shown, the waist member 20 of the diaper 2 is integrally constructed in a continuous manner along the longitudinal direction (the length direction of the absorbent body 10). That is, the diaper 2 is a so-called two-piece disposable diaper composed of the absorbent body 10 and the outer member (waist member 20). Hereinafter, the portion of the outer member (waist member 20) of the diaper 2 that is forward of the center position CL in the longitudinal direction will be designated as the front waist part 30, and the portion that is backward of the center position CL will be designated as the rear waist part 40 (see reference). FIG. 11A ).

[0159] In FIG. 11AWhen the diaper 2 in its unfolded state is formed into a shorts shape, the absorbent body 10 and the waistband 20 are folded together with the central position CL in the longitudinal direction as the folding position. The front waistband 30 and the rear waistband 40, which are opposite each other in this folded state, are joined and connected to each other by the side portions 30sw and 40sw in the left and right directions, thereby forming a pair of side joining portions 50, 50. Thus, with... FIG. 1 Similarly, diaper 1 becomes diaper 2 in a shorts-like state with a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH, LH.

[0160] In diaper 2, since the basic structure and function of the absorbent body 10 are largely the same as those of diaper 1 in the first embodiment, the description is omitted. However, it is also possible that the bottom sheet 13 of diaper 2 only has a liquid-impermeable sheet 13a (breathable membrane) and does not have an outer sheet 13b. This is because, in diaper 2, a waist member 20 is provided entirely on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10, and this waist member 20 functions as an outer sheet of the absorbent body 10. Therefore, the bottom sheet 13 of the absorbent body 10 of diaper 2 may not have a sheet member equivalent to the outer sheet 13b of diaper 1 (see reference). FIG. 11B ).

[0161] Waist member 20 has a skin side piece 21, a non-skin side piece 22 adjacently stacked on the non-skin side of the skin side piece 21, and waist elastic members 35 and 45 disposed in the thickness direction between the skin side piece 21 and the non-skin side piece 22 (see reference). FIG. 11B The skin-friendly side panel 21 is made of the same hydrophobic nonwoven fabric as the skin-friendly side panels 31 and 41 of diaper 1. The non-skin-friendly side panel 22 is made of the same hydrophilic nonwoven fabric as the non-skin-friendly side panels 32 and 42 of diaper 1. That is, in diaper 2, the non-skin-friendly side panel 22 is a nonwoven fabric with higher hydrophilicity than the skin-friendly side panel 21. In addition, similar to diaper 1, the waist elastic members 35 and 45 are made of elastic bands or the like and are installed between the skin-friendly side panel 21 and the non-skin-friendly side panel 22 in a state of stretching in the left and right direction.

[0162] In the diaper 2 of the second embodiment, the same effect as diaper 1 can be obtained. That is, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is configured such that when the package of diaper 2 (see Figures 6 to 9), which is folded and packaged in the same way as diaper 1, is opened, the moisture content of diaper 2 is 0.1 or less. In other words, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is configured such that the difference between the weight of diaper 2 when the package is opened and the weight of diaper 2 in its dry state, divided by the weight of diaper 2 in its dry state, is 0.1 or less. With this configuration, even when diaper 2 has a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, excessive moisture absorption can be suppressed, and mold growth or mold propagation can be inhibited.

[0163] ===Third Implementation Method===

[0164] In the third embodiment, a shorts-type diaper 3 (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 3") with a structure that differs from the embodiments described above will be described. FIG. 12A This is a plan view of diaper 3 in its unfolded and stretched state. FIG. 12B yes FIG. 12A A schematic cross-sectional view at line E-E. Furthermore, FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B The directions (e.g., longitudinal direction, transverse direction, etc.) are the same as those defined in the first embodiment.

[0165] The diaper 3 of the third embodiment has an absorbent body 10 with absorbent properties and a waist member 20, which is attached to the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10 as an outer fitting. FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B As shown, the waist member 20 of the diaper 3 is integrally constructed in a continuous manner along the longitudinal direction (the length direction of the absorbent body 10). That is, the skin side piece 21 is constructed as an integral piece that is continuous from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the non-skin side piece 32 (front non-skin side piece) disposed on the front side in the longitudinal direction and the non-skin side piece 42 (rear non-skin side piece) disposed on the rear side in the longitudinal direction are constructed as different pieces that are discontinuous in the longitudinal direction. The diaper with this structure is also called a simple three-piece disposable diaper. In addition, the portion of the outer member (waist member 20) of the diaper 3 that is forward of the central position CL in the longitudinal direction is defined as the front waist part 30, and the portion that is backward of the central position CL is defined as the rear waist part 40 (see reference). FIG. 12A ).

[0166] In FIG. 12A When the diaper 3 in its unfolded state is formed into a shorts shape, the absorbent body 10 and the waistband 20 are folded together with the central position CL in the longitudinal direction as the folding position. The side portions 30sw and 40sw of the front waistband 30 and the rear waistband 40, which are opposite each other in this folded state, are joined and connected to each other in the left and right directions, thereby forming a pair of side joint portions 50, 50. Thus, with... FIG. 1 Similarly, diaper 1 becomes diaper 3 in a shorts-like state with a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH, LH.

[0167] In diaper 3, since the basic structure and function of the absorbent body 10 are substantially the same as those of the absorbent body 10 of diaper 2 in the second embodiment, the description is omitted.

[0168] The front waist section 30 of the outer component (waist section 20) of the diaper 3 has: a skin side sheet 21, which extends from one end (ventral side) to the other end (dorsal side) in the longitudinal direction along its skin side in the thickness direction; a non-skin side sheet 32, which is stacked adjacent to the non-skin side of the skin side sheet 21 in the longitudinal direction along its front (ventral side); and a waist elastic member 35, which is disposed between the skin side sheet 21 and the non-skin side sheet 32 ​​in the thickness direction. The rear waist section 40 has a skin side sheet 21 shared with the front waist section 30, a non-skin side sheet 42 stacked adjacent to the non-skin side of the skin side sheet 21 in the longitudinal direction along its rear (dorsal side), and a waist elastic member 45 disposed between the skin side sheet 21 and the non-skin side sheet 42 in the thickness direction.

[0169] Skin side panel 21 is made of the same hydrophobic nonwoven fabric as skin side panels 31 and 41 of diaper 1. Non-skin side panels 32 and 42 are made of the same hydrophilic nonwoven fabric as non-skin side panels 32 and 42 of diaper 1. That is, in diaper 3, non-skin side panels 32 and 42 are made of nonwoven fabric with higher hydrophilicity than skin side panel 21. In addition, similar to diaper 1, waist elastic members 35 and 45 are made of elastic bands or the like and are installed between skin side panel 21 and non-skin side panels 32 and 42 in a state of stretching in the left and right direction.

[0170] In the diaper 3 of the third embodiment, the same effect as diaper 1 can be obtained. That is, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is configured such that the moisture content of diaper 3 when the package (see Figures 6 to 9) of diaper 3, which is folded and packaged in the same way as diaper 1, is opened is 0.1 or less. In other words, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is configured such that the difference between the weight of diaper 3 when the package is opened and the weight of diaper 3 in its dry state, divided by the weight of diaper 3 in its dry state, is 0.1 or less. With this configuration, even when diaper 3 has a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, excessive moisture absorption can be suppressed, and mold growth or mold propagation can be inhibited.

[0171] === Fourth Implementation Method ===

[0172] In the fourth embodiment, as an example of an absorbent article, a "belt-type diaper" (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 4"), which is different from the "shorts-type diaper" described in the first to third embodiments, will be described. FIG. 13A This is a plan view of diaper 4 in its unfolded and stretched state. FIG. 13B yes FIG. 13A A rough cross-sectional view at line F-F. Furthermore, FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B The directions (e.g., longitudinal direction, transverse direction, etc.) are the same as those defined in the first embodiment.

[0173] like FIG. 13A andFIG. 13B As shown, the diaper 4 has an absorbent core 11 for absorbing excrement, a liquid-permeable top sheet 12 located on the skin side of the absorbent core 11, a liquid-impermeable sheet 13a located on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11, an outer sheet 25 located on the non-skin side of the liquid-impermeable sheet 13a, and a pair of side sheets 18 that are joined to the skin side on both sides of the top sheet 12 in the left-right direction. In addition, elastic leg members 17 (such as rubber bands) that stretch in the longitudinal direction are provided on both sides of the diaper 4 in the left-right direction.

[0174] The absorbent core 11, top sheet 12, and liquid-impermeable sheet 13a of diaper 4 are equivalent to the absorbent body 10 of diaper 1, and have the same functions as the absorbent core 11, top sheet 12, and liquid-impermeable sheet 13a constituting the absorbent body 10 of diaper 1, respectively. For example, the liquid-impermeable sheet 13a is a breathable membrane that allows moisture such as urine absorbed by the absorbent core 11 to pass through as water vapor.

[0175] The outer cover 25 of diaper 4 is equivalent to the outer cover of the waistband 20 of diaper 1, and is made of the same hydrophilic nonwoven fabric as the non-skin side pieces 32 and 42 constituting the waistband 20 of diaper 1. Furthermore, the outer cover of diaper 4 may also have the same structure as the waistband 20 of diaper 1. For example, a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric may be provided adjacent to the skin side of the outer cover 25, which is made of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. FIG. 13B (Not shown in the figure), the outer component of diaper 4 is composed of two sheet components.

[0176] For ease of explanation, the portion of the diaper 4 that is forward of the center position CL in the longitudinal direction will be referred to as the front waist section 30, and the portion that is backward of the center position CL will be referred to as the back waist section 40 (see reference). FIG. 13A ).

[0177] The pair of side panels 18 are made of the same liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric as the top panel 12. The inner ends of the side panels 18 in the left-right direction are provided with leak-proof elastic members 16, such as rubber bands, capable of stretching in the longitudinal direction. When the diaper 4 is worn, the contractile force exhibited by these leak-proof elastic members 16 causes the inner ends of the side panels 18 in the left-right direction to stand upright towards the wearer's skin, forming a leak-proof section 15 similar to the diaper 1.

[0178] A pair of hook and loop fasteners 26 extending outwards in the left-right direction are provided on the back side (back waist portion 40) of the diaper 4 in the longitudinal direction. Additionally, a face-shaped fastener 26f with multiple hook members (not shown) is provided on the skin side of the free end (outer side in the left-right direction) of the hook and loop fasteners 26. Furthermore, a target piece 27 is provided on the non-skin side of the ventral side (front waist portion 30) of the diaper 4 in the longitudinal direction. This target piece 27 is used to engage the hook and loop fasteners 26 when the diaper 4 is worn. The target piece 27 is a component capable of engaging with the face-shaped fasteners 26f (hook members) of the hook and loop fasteners 26, and is, for example, formed of non-woven fabric.

[0179] Furthermore, a back elastic member 19 that stretches in the left-right direction (lateral direction) is provided on the back side (back waist portion 40) of the diaper 4 in the longitudinal direction. The back elastic member 19 is a strip-shaped elastic member made of stretchable non-woven fabric or the like, and is installed on the diaper 4 in a state of stretching in the left-right direction. Utilizing the stretching force exhibited by this back elastic member 19, the diaper 4 can easily conform to the wearer's waist when worn.

[0180] When wearing diapers 4, for example, FIG. 13A The diaper 4, in its unfolded state, is positioned under the wearer's crotch, with the front waist section 30 pressed against the wearer's abdomen and the back waist section 40 pressed against the wearer's back (buttocks). Additionally, a pair of hook and loop fasteners 26, 26 are wrapped around the wearer's waist from the back to the abdomen, and the hook and loop fasteners 26f are secured to the target piece 27 on the wearer's abdomen. This creates a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH, LH that are approximately the same as those on the diaper 1, allowing the diaper 4 to be fixed in position relative to the wearer's body (crotch).

[0181] Furthermore, it is not necessarily required to have a target piece 27 in the diaper 4. For example, instead of placing the target piece 27 on the non-skin side of the outer cover 25, the diaper 4 can be worn by directly fastening the face-shaped fastener 26f to the non-woven fabric constituting the outer cover 25.

[0182] In the diaper 4 of the fourth embodiment, the same effect as diaper 1 can be obtained. That is, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is configured such that the moisture content of diaper 4 when the package (see Figures 6 to 9) of diaper 4, which is folded and packaged in the same way as diaper 1, is opened is 0.1 or less. In other words, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is configured such that the difference between the weight of diaper 4 when the package is opened and the weight of diaper 4 in its dry state, divided by the weight of diaper 4 in its dry state, is 0.1 or less. With this configuration, even when diaper 4 has a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, excessive moisture absorption can be suppressed, and mold growth or mold propagation can be inhibited.

[0183] ===Other Implementation Methods===

[0184] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but these embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and not to limit its interpretation. Furthermore, it is self-evident that the present invention can be modified and altered without departing from its spirit, and that equivalents are included in the present invention.

Claims

1. An absorbent article having an absorbent main body having liquid absorbency and an outer cover member provided at a position on a non-skin side from the absorbent main body, characterized in that, at least a part of a surface on the most non-skin side of the outer cover member has a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is configured so that a value obtained by dividing a difference between a weight of the absorbent article when the packaged absorbent article is opened and a weight of the absorbent article in a dried state by the weight of the absorbent article in the dried state is 0.1 or less, the absorbent article has an up-down direction and a left-right direction which intersect each other, the absorbent article has a first fold line which folds a side end region on one side toward a side on the other side in the left-right direction, a second fold line which folds a side end region on the other side toward a side on one side, and a third fold line which folds a region on one side toward a region on the other side in the up-down direction, the absorbent main body has an absorbent core containing a superabsorbent polymer, the third fold line is disposed at a position not overlapping the absorbent core in the up-down direction, at least a part of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is not exposed to the outside in a folded state, an area of a portion of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric exposed to the outside in a state where the absorbent article is folded is less than 50% of an area of a portion of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric exposed to the outside in a state where the absorbent article is not folded.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that, at least a part of a surface exposed to the outside in a folded state is composed of a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric having a lower hydrophilicity than the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that, an amount of moisture contained per unit weight of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is less than an amount of moisture contained per unit weight of the absorbent core when the packaged absorbent article is opened.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that, the side end region folded at the first fold line and the side end region on the other side folded at the second fold line have a portion overlapping each other when viewed in a thickness direction.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that, the absorbent core and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric have a portion overlapping each other when the absorbent article in a folded state is viewed in a thickness direction.

6. The absorbent article according to claim 5, characterized in that, the absorbent core and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric have a portion overlapping each other when the absorbent article in a folded state is viewed in a thickness direction.

7. An absorbent article package which is a package of an absorbent article having an absorbent main body having liquid absorbency and an outer cover member provided at a position on a non-skin side from the absorbent main body, characterized in that, at least a part of a surface on the most non-skin side of the outer cover member has a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, ​ ​ The hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is configured such that a value obtained by dividing a difference between a weight of the absorbent article when the absorbent article package is opened and a weight of the absorbent article in a dried state by the weight of the absorbent article in the dried state is 0.1 or less, The absorbent article has an up-down direction and a left-right direction that cross each other, The absorbent article has a first fold line that folds a side end region toward the other side in the left-right direction, a second fold line that folds the other side end region toward the one side, and a third fold line that folds a side region toward the other side in the up-down direction, The absorbent main body has an absorbent core containing a superabsorbent polymer, The third fold line is disposed at a position that does not overlap the absorbent core in the up-down direction, In the folded state, at least a part of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is not exposed to the outside, An area of a portion of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric exposed to the outside in the folded state of the absorbent article is less than 50% of an area of a portion of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric exposed to the outside in an unfolded state of the absorbent article.

8. The absorbent article package according to claim 7, wherein The packaging member is a sheet member made of resin having leakproofness.

9. The absorbent article package according to claim 7 or 8, wherein The absorbent article in the folded state is packaged as a single body with the packaging member.

10. The absorbent article package according to claim 7 or 8, wherein The absorbent article in the folded state is arranged in a plurality and packaged with the packaging member.

11. The absorbent article package according to claim 10, wherein The absorbent article is housed with the third fold line oriented toward the vertically upper side.

12. The absorbent article package according to claim 11, wherein A proportion of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric with respect to a surface area of a portion on the upper side than the center in the up-down direction of the absorbent article in the folded state is larger than a proportion of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric with respect to a surface area of a portion on the lower side than the center in the up-down direction.

13. The absorbent article package according to claim 10, wherein The absorbent article package has an opening guide portion that is a plurality of slits that penetrate the packaging member in the thickness direction and are discontinuously arranged in a predetermined direction, The absorbent article package has a portion in which the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of the absorbent article does not contact the opening guide portion.

14. The absorbent article package according to claim 13, wherein The hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of the absorbent article does not contact the opening guide portion as a whole.

15. The absorbent article package according to claim 13 or 14, wherein The absorbent article is housed such that neither a front surface nor a back surface of a portion folded at the third fold line opposes the opening guide portion.

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