absorbent articles

Abstract

Provided is an absorbent article in which, even when the amount of body fluid is large, leakage of body fluid from the ends in the width direction, i.e., side leakage, can be suppressed, while also improving skin touch. In the absorbent article (1), in the width direction, the length of an auxiliary sheet (5) located between a surface sheet (2) and an absorber (4) is greater than the length of the surface sheet, and both ends of the auxiliary sheet extend to the outside of each of the two end edges of the surface sheet. The surface sheet includes: a central area (CA) located in the center in the width direction; and a pair of end areas (EA) located at both ends in the width direction and adjacent to both outer sides of the central area in the width direction. The length of each of the pair of end areas in the thickness direction is greater than the length of the central area in the thickness direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] There is known an absorbent article that makes excreted body fluids (for example, menstrual blood) less likely to leak. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article that can improve the retention of body fluids. The absorbent article has a liquid-permeable upper sheet on the skin-contacting side of the surface sheet. The center portion of the upper sheet in the width direction is arranged along the length direction, and has a central area including an excretion port contact area. The absorbent article has: an upper layer compression portion, which is formed by compressing the surface sheet and the upper sheet in the thickness direction; and an absorbent body compression portion, which is formed by compressing the surface sheet and the absorbent body in the thickness direction. The absorbent body compression portion has a lengthwise compression portion formed along the lengthwise direction at a position closer to the outside in the widthwise direction than the upper sheet.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-239712 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the absorbent article of Patent Document 1, the widthwise ends of the top sheet are not bonded to the top sheet, and the thickness of the widthwise ends is the same as or thinner than the thickness of the center. Therefore, the amount of bodily fluid that can be retained by the spaces between the fibers of the top sheet at the widthwise ends is less than that at the center. As a result, when the absorbent article is used, if the amount of bodily fluid is high, there is a risk that bodily fluid that diffuses from the center toward the ends of the top sheet in the width direction will not accumulate in the top sheet but instead overflow from the ends. In other words, because the widthwise length of the top sheet is shorter than its lengthwise length, there is a risk that the bodily fluid will diffuse toward the widthwise ends before diffusion has fully progressed toward both sides of the lengthwise direction, leading to leakage from the ends. Furthermore, because the top sheet, which has a higher water-retention capacity, is positioned closer to the skin than the top sheet, there is a risk that the top sheet, which retains bodily fluid, will contact the excretion opening, resulting in a poor feel to the skin.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that can suppress leakage of body fluid from the ends in the width direction, that is, side leakage, even when the amount of body fluid is large, and can also improve the touch to the skin.

[0009] Solutions for solving problems

[0010] The absorbent article of the present invention is as follows. (1) An absorbent article having a length direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction, comprising a surface sheet, an absorbent body, and an auxiliary sheet located between the surface sheet and the absorbent body, wherein the length of the auxiliary sheet in the width direction is greater than the length of the surface sheet, and both ends of the auxiliary sheet extend to the outside of each of the two end edges of the surface sheet, and the surface sheet includes: a central area located in the central part in the width direction; and a pair of end areas located at both ends in the width direction and adjacent to both outer sides of the central area in the width direction, and the length of each of the pair of end areas in the thickness direction is greater than the length of the central area in the thickness direction.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an absorbent article that can suppress leakage of body fluid from the ends in the width direction, that is, side leakage, even when the amount of body fluid is large, and can also improve the feel to the skin. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a plan view showing a structural example of the absorbent article according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line II-II.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing another structural example of the absorbent article according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] This embodiment relates to the following aspects.

[0017] [Scheme 1]

[0018] An absorbent article having a length direction, a width direction and a thickness direction, comprising a surface sheet, an absorbent body and an auxiliary sheet located between the surface sheet and the absorbent body, wherein in the width direction, the length of the auxiliary sheet is greater than the length of the surface sheet, and the two ends of the auxiliary sheet extend to the outside of the respective end edges of the surface sheet, and the surface sheet includes: a central area, which is located in the central part in the width direction; and a pair of end areas, which are located at the two ends in the width direction and are adjacent to the two outer sides of the central area in the width direction, and the length of each of the pair of end areas in the thickness direction is greater than the length of the central area in the thickness direction.

[0019] In this absorbent article, the topsheet is formed so that the thickness of each of its pair of end regions in the width direction is greater than that of its central region in the width direction. That is, the thickness of the topsheet at both ends in the width direction is greater than that of the central portion. Therefore, the gaps between the fibers constituting the topsheet at both ends in the width direction can retain a greater amount of bodily fluid than the central portion in the width direction, and can function like a dam protruding toward the skin. As a result, even when the absorbent article is used in the presence of a large amount of bodily fluid (e.g., menstrual blood), bodily fluid that diffuses from the central portion of the topsheet toward the ends through the interior or surface of the topsheet can be easily retained at the ends, thereby preventing the bodily fluid from leaking outward from the ends. Furthermore, because the topsheet is thicker at both ends in the width direction and thinner in the central portion, the contact between the central portion and the excretion opening can be reduced, thereby improving the feel of the skin. Thus, even in the presence of a large amount of bodily fluid, the absorbent article can prevent lateral leakage of bodily fluid and improve the feel of the skin.

[0020] [Scheme 2]

[0021] In the absorbent article according to claim 1, the fiber density of each of the pair of end regions is lower than the fiber density of the central region.

[0022] In this absorbent article, the top sheet is formed so that the fiber density of each of the pair of end regions is lower than that of the central region. That is, in the top sheet, the fiber density at both end regions in the width direction is lower than that in the central region. Therefore, even if a large amount of body fluid flows through the inside of the top sheet in the width direction due to capillary action, the relatively low fiber density at the end regions prevents the body fluid from diffusing to the end regions. In addition, the relatively low fiber density at both end regions in the width direction of the top sheet imparts a soft touch. Thus, in this absorbent article, even when the amount of body fluid is large, lateral leakage of body fluid can be further suppressed, and the touch of the skin can be further improved.

[0023] [Scheme 3]

[0024] In the absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, the fiber density on the skin side of each of the pair of end regions is higher than the fiber density on the non-skin side of each of the pair of end regions.

[0025] In this absorbent article, the surface sheet is formed so that the fiber density on the skin side of each of the pair of end regions is higher than the fiber density on the non-skin side of each of the pair of end regions. That is, in the surface sheet, the fiber density on the skin side of both end regions in the width direction is higher than the fiber density on the non-skin side. Therefore, it is possible to prevent body fluids that diffuse from the center of the surface sheet toward the end regions from being easily transferred to the non-skin side of the end regions, and to prevent such body fluids from being easily transferred to the surface of the auxiliary sheet located below in the thickness direction of the end regions. Thus, body fluids that reach the end regions can be retained at the end regions and not easily transferred in the width direction, thereby making it easy for other body fluids to transfer from the center region downward in the thickness direction, i.e., toward the absorbent body. In this way, in this absorbent article, even when the amount of body fluid is large, the movement of body fluids in the width direction can be restricted, and side leakage can be further suppressed.

[0026] [Scheme 4]

[0027] For the absorbent article recorded in any one of Schemes 1 to 3, the absorbent article further has a pair of compression portions, which are formed by compressing the surface sheet, the auxiliary sheet and the absorbent body, extend along the length direction, and are arranged at intervals in the width direction, and the outer end edges of each of the pair of end regions in the width direction are located on the outer sides of each of the pair of compression portions in the width direction.

[0028] In this absorbent article, the outer edges of the pair of end regions in the width direction are located outside the pair of compressions in the width direction. Thus, when the absorbent article is used, the portion of the absorbent article that is closer to the outside of the pair of compressions deforms toward the skin, starting from the pair of compressions. Consequently, the portion of the pair of end regions in the topsheet that is closer to the outside of the pair of compressions also deforms toward the skin. That is, the two end portions in the width direction of the topsheet deform toward the skin. This allows the two end portions in the width direction of the topsheet to function like dams protruding toward the skin. This makes it easier for body fluids that diffuse from the center of the topsheet toward the end portions to accumulate at the end portions of the topsheet, thus preventing the body fluids from leaking outward from the end portions.

[0029] [Scheme 5]

[0030] In the absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, each of the pair of end regions is not joined to the auxiliary sheet.

[0031] In this absorbent article, the top sheet is formed into a pair of end regions that are not joined to the auxiliary sheet. That is, in the top sheet, the two end portions in the width direction are not joined to the auxiliary sheet. Therefore, it is possible to prevent body fluids that diffuse from the center of the top sheet to the end portions from being easily transferred to the portion of the auxiliary sheet that is located to the outside of the end portions in the width direction. In addition, the two end portions in the width direction of the top sheet are not joined to other materials, resulting in a higher degree of freedom, thereby improving the followability of the two end portions to the skin surface. In this way, in this absorbent article, even when the amount of body fluid is large, the side leakage of body fluids can be further suppressed, and the skin feel can be further improved.

[0032] [Scheme 6]

[0033] In the absorbent article according to claim 5 , the length of the absorbent body in the width direction is smaller than the length of the surface sheet in the width direction, and the pair of end regions are located on both outer sides of the absorbent body in the width direction when viewed from above.

[0034] In this absorbent article, the length of the absorbent body in the width direction is shorter than the length of the top sheet, and when viewed from above, a pair of end regions are located on either side of the absorbent body. Therefore, when the absorbent article is used, if a force is applied to the absorbent body inward in the width direction by the thighs, the pair of non-joined end regions located on the outer side of the absorbent body tend to stand up toward the skin. In other words, the two end portions of the top sheet in the width direction can be made to stand up relative to the skin. This can reduce the amount of body fluid that flows toward the end portions of the top sheet in the width direction. Therefore, in this absorbent article, even when the amount of body fluid is large, side leakage of body fluid can be further suppressed.

[0035] [Scheme 7]

[0036] For the absorbent article described in Scheme 5 or 6, the absorbent article further includes a pair of end compression portions, which are formed by compressing the surface sheet, the auxiliary sheet and the absorbent body, and are formed as outer end edges in the width direction across the pair of end areas.

[0037] This absorbent article is equipped with a pair of end compression parts, which are formed to span the outer end edges of each of a pair of end regions in the width direction. In other words, the end compression parts are formed to span the outer end edges in the width direction of the surface sheet. Therefore, when the absorbent article is used, when the body fluid diffused from the central part of the surface sheet reaches the end, a portion of the body fluid can be introduced into the absorbent body below the surface sheet and the auxiliary sheet via the end compression parts. This can prevent the following situation: the body fluid at the end of the width direction of the surface sheet, and the body fluid that is being transferred outward from the end, is further transferred outward. Therefore, in this absorbent article, even when the amount of body fluid is large, the side leakage of body fluid can be further suppressed.

[0038] [Scheme 8]

[0039] The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7 further includes a pair of auxiliary compressed portions formed by compressing only the auxiliary sheet outside the pair of end regions in the width direction in a plan view.

[0040] In this absorbent article, a pair of auxiliary compression portions are formed by compressing only the auxiliary sheet, outside a pair of end regions in the width direction. That is, the auxiliary compression portions are formed in the width direction on portions of the auxiliary sheet that are further outward than the outer edge of the top sheet. Therefore, when the absorbent article is in use, even if bodily fluid diffuses from the center of the top sheet and leaks outward from the ends, this bodily fluid can be directed through the auxiliary compression portions into the absorbent body below the auxiliary sheet. Therefore, in this absorbent article, even when the amount of bodily fluid is large, lateral leakage of bodily fluid can be further suppressed.

[0041] [Scheme 9]

[0042] In the absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, the mass density of the top sheet is lower than the mass density of the auxiliary sheet.

[0043] In this absorbent article, the mass density of the top sheet is lower than that of the auxiliary sheet. Therefore, when the absorbent article is used, even when a large amount of bodily fluid is present, bodily fluid can be easily transferred from the lower-mass-density top sheet toward the higher-mass-density auxiliary sheet along the thickness direction. This reduces the amount of bodily fluid transferred toward the widthwise ends of the top sheet. Consequently, in this absorbent article, even when a large amount of bodily fluid is present, lateral leakage of bodily fluid can be further suppressed.

[0044] [Scheme 10]

[0045] For the absorbent article described in any one of Schemes 1 to 9, when viewed from above, the color of the absorbent body is easier to confirm by observing through a portion that is closer to the outside in the width direction than the end edge of the surface sheet than by observing through the center portion in the width direction of the surface sheet.

[0046] In this absorbent article, when viewed from above, it is easier to confirm the color of the absorbent body (including the color of the absorbent body when the body fluid is absorbed) by observing through the portion closer to the outside than the end edge of the surface sheet than by observing through the central portion of the surface sheet. That is, the color of the absorbent body observed through the portion closer to the outside than the surface sheet (the auxiliary sheet) is closer to the actual color of the absorbent body than the color of the absorbent body observed through the central portion of the surface sheet (the surface sheet and the auxiliary sheet). Here, when viewed from above, the position of the end portion of the absorbent body in the width direction is roughly the same as the position of the portion closer to the outside than the surface sheet. Therefore, by confirming the color of the absorbent body visually recognized in the portion closer to the outside than the surface sheet, it is possible to confirm whether the body fluid has been absorbed to the end portion in the width direction of the absorbent body. This can avoid the following situation: although the body fluid has been absorbed to the end portion in the width direction of the absorbent body and the time has come to replace the absorbent article, the body fluid has not been completely absorbed by the absorbent body due to not noticing this moment, resulting in side leakage.

[0047] [Scheme 11]

[0048] For the absorbent article recorded in any one of Schemes 1 to 10, the absorbent article also has a pair of side panels, which are joined to the two end portions in the width direction of the auxiliary panel and extend along the length direction, and when viewed from above, have a pair of low-rigidity portions with lower rigidity between the central portion in the width direction and the two end portions in the width direction.

[0049] When viewed from above, the absorbent article has a pair of low-rigidity portions (auxiliary sheet and absorbent body) with relatively low rigidity between the central portion in the width direction (surface sheet, auxiliary sheet and absorbent body) and the two end portions in the width direction (side sheets, auxiliary sheet and absorbent body). Therefore, when the absorbent article is used, the absorbent article can be easily deformed into a roughly letter W shape when viewed from the length direction, starting from the pair of low-rigidity portions. That is, the two end portions in the width direction of the absorbent article can be relatively raised toward the skin side. This can reduce the amount of body fluids that go toward the ends in the width direction of the surface sheet. Therefore, in this absorbent article, even when the amount of body fluids is large, side leakage of body fluids can be further suppressed.

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments of the absorbent article of the present invention will be described.

[0051] The absorbent article of the embodiment will be described using a sanitary napkin as an example. However, the types and uses of the absorbent article of the present invention are not limited to this example and can be applied to other absorbent articles without departing from the scope of the present invention. Examples of other absorbent articles include panty liners, light incontinence pads, and disposable diapers.

[0052] Figures 1 and 2 It is a figure which shows the structural example of the absorbent article 1 which concerns on embodiment. Figure 1 is a plan view showing the absorbent article 1 in a unfolded state. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The absorbent article 1 has a longitudinal direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction T that are orthogonal to each other. Figure 1 In the absorbent article 1 depicted, the upper and lower sides of the figure are respectively the front and rear sides in the longitudinal direction L, the left and right sides are respectively the left and right sides in the width direction W, and the front side and the back side relative to the paper are respectively the upper and lower sides in the thickness direction T. The absorbent article 1 has a longitudinal centerline C passing through the center in the width direction W and extending in the longitudinal direction L. L (imaginary line) and the width direction center line C passing through the center in the longitudinal direction L and extending in the width direction W W (Imaginary line). L The direction and one side are set as the inward direction and the inner side in the width direction W, respectively, away from the length direction center line C L The direction and one side are respectively defined as the outward direction and the outer side in the width direction W. On the other hand, the direction toward the width direction center line C W The direction and one side are set as the inward direction and inner side in the length direction L, respectively, away from the width direction center line C W The direction and one side are respectively referred to as the outward direction and the outer side in the length direction L. The absorbent article 1 placed on a plane including the length direction L and the width direction W is viewed from above in the thickness direction T, and the shape perceived during the top view is referred to as the planar shape. Any direction within the plane including the length direction L and the width direction W is referred to as the planar direction. When the wearer wears the absorbent article 1, the side relatively closer to the wearer's skin in the thickness direction T and the side relatively farther from the wearer's skin are referred to as the skin side and the non-skin side, respectively. The above definitions also apply to the various materials of the absorbent article 1.

[0053] In this embodiment, the absorbent article 1 (excluding the wings) has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above, being longer in the longitudinal direction L and shorter in the width direction W, with both end sides in the longitudinal direction L being generally semicircular. The shape of the absorbent article 1 is not particularly limited, as long as it is longer in the longitudinal direction L and shorter in the width direction W. Examples include rounded rectangles, ovals, gourds, and hourglass shapes. The absorbent article 1 includes a pair of wings 9 extending outward from the generally rectangular portion in the width direction W. The wings 9 have a generally trapezoidal shape. However, their shape may also be, for example, semicircular or semi-oval.

[0054] The absorbent article 1 includes a top sheet 2, an auxiliary sheet 5, and an absorbent body 4, and in the present embodiment, further includes a back sheet 3 and a garment fixing portion 7. The top sheet 2 is a liquid-permeable sheet and, in the present embodiment, constitutes the skin-side surface of the absorbent article 1. The auxiliary sheet 5 is a liquid-permeable sheet and, in the present embodiment, is laminated on the non-skin side of the top sheet 2. The absorbent body 4 is a liquid-absorbent and liquid-retaining material and is located between the top sheet 2 (and the auxiliary sheet 5) and the back sheet 3. The back sheet 3 is a liquid-impermeable sheet and, in the present embodiment, constitutes the non-skin-side surface of the absorbent article 1. The garment fixing portion 7 is an adhesive that adheres the absorbent article 1 to the skin-side of underwear and, in the present embodiment, is located on the non-skin-side surface of the back sheet 3. Therefore, in the absorbent article 1, the top sheet 2, the auxiliary sheet 5, the absorbent body 4, the back sheet 3, and the garment fixing portion 7 are laminated in this order along the thickness direction T. In addition, the absorbent article 1 may also include an outer sheet on the non-skin side of the back sheet 3.

[0055] In this embodiment, the absorbent article 1 also includes a pair of side panels 6 and a pair of clothing fixing portions 8. The pair of side panels 6 are hydrophilic or waterproof sheets and are located on both sides of the auxiliary sheet 5 in the width direction W in this embodiment. The pair of side panels 6 include a pair of leak-proof walls 16 extending along the length direction L on the inner side in the width direction W. The outer end of each leak-proof wall in the pair of leak-proof walls 16 (FA) in the width direction W is set as a fixed end 16E1 and joined to the auxiliary sheet 5, and the inner end of each leak-proof wall in the width direction W is set as a free end 16E2 and is not joined to the component. The leak-proof wall 16 can also have an elastic component extending along the length direction L at the free end 16E2. In the width direction W, the end edge 2E of the surface sheet 2 in the width direction W is separated from the fixed end 16E1 and the free end 16E2 of the leak-proof wall 16 opposite in the width direction W, so that when viewed from above, the auxiliary sheet 5 is exposed between the surface sheet 2 and the pair of leak-proof walls 16. The pair of garment fixing portions 8 are adhesives for bonding the pair of wings 9 to the non-skin side of the underwear, and are located on the non-skin side surface of the back sheet 3 of the pair of wings 9 in this embodiment.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the top sheet 2 is in a generally rectangular shape that is longer in the longitudinal direction L and shorter in the width direction W, and has a generally semicircular shape with both end sides in the longitudinal direction L. The top sheet 2 includes a first fiber layer 2a containing water-retaining fibers, and a second fiber layer 2b containing water-retaining fibers and hydrophobic fibers. The surface on the skin side of the first fiber layer 2a constitutes the surface on the skin side of the top sheet 2, and the surface on the non-skin side is in contact with the surface on the skin side of the second fiber layer 2b. The surface on the non-skin side of the second fiber layer 2b constitutes the surface on the non-skin side of the top sheet 2. In addition, the top sheet 2 can be either one of the first fiber layer 2a and the second fiber layer 2b, or a three-layer structure further including other fiber layers. In addition, the types of the constituent fibers of each of the first fiber layer 2a and the second fiber layer 2b are not limited to the above-mentioned examples as long as the top sheet 2 is a liquid-permeable sheet.

[0057] The auxiliary sheet 5 is a roughly rectangular shape that is longer in the length direction L and shorter in the width direction W, and has a shape in which both end sides in the length direction L are roughly semicircular. The auxiliary sheet 5 has a shape that is slightly larger than the surface sheet 2 in the width direction W. Therefore, the length (width) of the auxiliary sheet 5 in the width direction W is larger than the length (width) of the surface sheet 2 in the width direction W. In addition, when viewed from above, the two ends of the auxiliary sheet 5 in the width direction W extend to the outside of each of the two end edges 2E in the width direction W of the surface sheet 2. Therefore, the two end edges 5E in the width direction W of the auxiliary sheet 5 are respectively located on the outside of the two end edges 2E in the width direction W of the surface sheet 2. In the present embodiment, the length (width) of the auxiliary sheet 5 in the width direction W is roughly the same as the length (width) of the absorbent body 4 in the width direction W.

[0058] In this embodiment, the surface sheet 2 and the auxiliary sheet 5 are bonded to each other by an adhesive (not shown, example: hot melt adhesive). The adhesive is applied to the surface sheet 2 or the auxiliary sheet 5 (not shown) in a plurality of predetermined patterns extending in the longitudinal direction L and arranged in the width direction W. Examples of the predetermined pattern include stripe shapes, omega repeating shapes, and wave repeating shapes. The adhesive is applied to the center line C of the longitudinal direction relative to the center line C of the longitudinal direction. L A roughly axisymmetric region.

[0059] The topsheet 2 includes (is divided into) a central area CA located in the center in the width direction W, and a pair of end areas EA located at the ends in the width direction W and adjacent to the outer sides of the central area CA in the width direction W. The width direction W range of the pair of end areas EA of the topsheet 2 is the remaining portion excluding the central area CA. In this embodiment, the central area CA and each of the pair of end areas EA are separated by a pair of imaginary dividing lines 17 extending along the longitudinal direction L.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the central area CA is an area coated with an adhesive in the above-mentioned predetermined pattern, and the pair of end areas EA are areas adjacent to the two outer sides of the central area CA in the width direction W that are not coated with adhesive. That is, the central area CA is an area joined to the auxiliary sheet 5, and the pair of end areas EA are areas that are not joined to the auxiliary sheet 5. Therefore, a pair of dividing lines 17 respectively show the outer edges of the areas where the adhesive exists in the width direction W. At this time, in each end area of ​​the pair of end areas EA, the inner end edge in the width direction W is connected to the end edge of the central area CA and is set as a fixed end, and the outer end edge in the width direction W (except the two ends in the length direction L) is set as a free end that is not joined to any component. That is, the free ends of each of the pair of end areas EA are easy to move relative to the auxiliary sheet 5 in the thickness direction T, and therefore are a structure that can generate a gap V between the auxiliary sheet 5 and the auxiliary sheet 5, and are a structure that can stand up from the auxiliary sheet 5. In addition, the end area EA can also be partially joined to the auxiliary sheet 5 and the side sheet 6.

[0061] Alternatively, the central area CA may be a region where the first fiber layer 2a and the second fiber layer 2b are joined together, while the pair of end areas EA may be regions where the first fiber layer 2a and the second fiber layer 2b are not joined together. In this case, the pair of end areas EA may each have a structure such that the first fiber layer 2a and the second fiber layer 2b can easily move relative to each other and further rise from the auxiliary sheet 5. Alternatively, the first fiber layer 2a and the second fiber layer 2b may each be joined together in the pair of end areas EA.

[0062] In this embodiment, the central area CA and the pair of end areas EA are both relative to the longitudinal center line C L It is axially symmetrical. In the width direction W, the range of the central area CA of the surface sheet 2 can be, for example, 80% to 96% of the length of the surface sheet 2. If it is less than 80%, there is a risk that the length of the end area EA in the width direction W becomes longer and rolls up. If so, the wearer is likely to feel discomfort in the rolled-up part. Furthermore, a gap is generated between the surface sheet 2 and the wearer's skin surface near the rolled-up part, and body fluids are likely to leak along the wearer's skin surface. If it exceeds 96%, the end area EA is likely to be closely attached to the auxiliary sheet 5 due to the bonding between the central area CA and the auxiliary sheet 5, making it difficult to move and difficult to stand up from the auxiliary sheet 5.

[0063] The length (thickness) d2 of each of the pair of end regions EA in the thickness direction T is greater than the length (thickness) d1 of the central region CA in the thickness direction T. Therefore, each of the pair of end regions EA can retain a larger amount of body fluid in the gaps between the constituent fibers of the topsheet 2 than the central region CA, and can function as a dam protruding in the thickness direction T toward the skin.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the central area CA is pressed against and joined to the auxiliary sheet 5 in a state where the adhesive is applied and the adhesive is spread in the thickness direction T. Therefore, the thickness of the central area CA becomes relatively thinner than before joining. On the other hand, the pair of end areas EA are respectively arranged on the auxiliary sheet 5 in a state where the adhesive is not applied. Therefore, the thickness of the end areas EA is almost unchanged compared to before joining. As a result, the length (thickness) d2 of the end areas EA in the thickness direction T can be made larger than the length (thickness) d1 of the central area CA in the thickness direction T. In another embodiment, the central area CA is formed by a layer of sheet material of the surface sheet 2, and the pair of end areas EA are respectively formed by folding the sheet material of the surface sheet 2 toward the skin side or the non-skin side in the thickness direction T toward the inner side in the width direction W. Thus, the length (thickness) d1 of the central area CA in the thickness direction T becomes the thickness of the layer of sheet material of the surface sheet 2, and the length (thickness) d2 of each of the pair of end areas EA in the thickness direction T becomes the thickness of the two layers of sheet material of the surface sheet 2, so that d1 < d2.

[0065] Similarly, in the central region CA, when an adhesive is applied between the first fiber layer 2a and the second fiber layer 2b and they are joined together, the thickness of the central region CA becomes relatively thinner than before joining. On the other hand, in each of the pair of end regions EA, when the first fiber layer 2a and the second fiber layer 2b are stacked without adhesive applied between them, the thickness of the end regions EA remains almost unchanged compared to before joining. Therefore, in this case, the length (thickness) d2 of the end regions EA in the thickness direction T can be made greater than the length (thickness) d1 of the central region CA in the thickness direction T.

[0066] The method for making the length d2 of the end area EA in the thickness direction T greater than the length d1 of the central area CA in the thickness direction T is not limited to the above example. Examples of such methods include a method of placing another nonwoven fabric sheet between each end area of ​​the pair of end areas EA and the auxiliary sheet 5, and a method of placing another nonwoven fabric sheet between the first fiber layer 2a and the second fiber layer 2b in the pair of end areas EA.

[0067] In the absorbent article 1, the topsheet 2 is formed so that, in the width direction W, the thickness of each of the pair of end regions EA is greater than the thickness of the central region CA. That is, in the topsheet 2, the thickness of the two end regions (end regions EA) in the width direction W is greater than the thickness of the central region (central region CA). Therefore, the two end regions in the width direction W of the topsheet 2 can retain a larger amount of body fluids by the gaps between the constituent fibers of the topsheet 2 than the central region, and can function like a dam protruding toward the skin. As a result, when the absorbent article 1 is used, even when the amount of body fluid (for example, menstrual blood) is large, the body fluid that diffuses from the central region of the topsheet 2 to the end regions through the interior or surface of the topsheet 2 can be easily accumulated at the end regions of the topsheet 2, thereby preventing the body fluid from leaking outward from the end regions. In addition, because the two end regions in the width direction W of the topsheet 2 are thicker and the central region is thinner, the contact between the central region and the excretion opening can be weakened, thereby improving the feel to the skin. As described above, in the absorbent article 1, even when the amount of body fluid is large, side leakage of body fluid can be suppressed and the feel to the skin can be improved.

[0068] In this absorbent article 1, the surface sheet 2 is formed so that a pair of end areas EA are not bonded to the auxiliary sheet 5. That is, in the surface sheet 2, the two end areas (end areas EA) in the width direction W are not bonded to the auxiliary sheet 5. Therefore, the body fluids diffused from the central part (central area CA) of the surface sheet 2 to the end are not easily transferred to the auxiliary sheet 5 located at a position on the outside of the end in the width direction W. Furthermore, at the two end areas in the width direction W of the surface sheet 2, the amount of body fluids that can be maintained by the gaps between the constituent fibers can be relatively large. In addition, the two end areas in the width direction W of the surface sheet 2 are not bonded to other materials, so that the degree of freedom is high, and therefore the followability of the two end areas to the skin surface can be improved. In this way, in this absorbent article 1, even when the amount of body fluids is large, the side leakage of body fluids can be further suppressed, and the skin feel can be further improved.

[0069] In this embodiment, the fiber density of each of the pair of end regions EA is lower than that of the central region CA. Therefore, bodily fluids that diffuse from the central region CA toward the end regions EA along the width direction W are less likely to diffuse beyond the end regions EA. In this embodiment, the end regions EA and the central region CA form the end and center portions of the same topsheet 2, and the length (thickness) d2 of the end regions EA is greater than the length (thickness) d1 of the central region CA. Consequently, the fiber density of the end regions EA can be lower than that of the central region CA.

[0070] Thus, in the absorbent article 1, in the surface sheet 2, the fiber density at the two end portions in the width direction W (end regions EA) is lower than the fiber density at the central portion (central region CA). Therefore, even if a large amount of body fluid flows inside the surface sheet 2 along the width direction W by capillary action, the relatively low fiber density at the end portions makes it difficult for the body fluid to diffuse toward the end portions. In addition, since the fiber density at the two end portions in the width direction W of the surface sheet 2 is relatively low, the two end portions can be given elasticity, thereby imparting a soft touch. Thus, in this absorbent article 1, even when the amount of body fluid is large, the side leakage of body fluid can be further suppressed, and the skin feel can be further improved.

[0071] In this embodiment, the fiber density on the skin side of each of the pair of end areas EA is higher than the fiber density on the non-skin side. Therefore, it is possible to prevent body fluids that diffuse from the central area CA to the end area EA from being easily transferred to the non-skin side of the end area EA. In this embodiment, the fiber density of the first fiber layer 2a on the skin side of the first fiber layer 2a and the second fiber layer 2b that constitute the top sheet 2 is higher than the fiber density of the second fiber layer 2b on the non-skin side. Therefore, the fiber density on the skin side of the end area EA can be higher than the fiber density on the non-skin side. In addition, when the top sheet 2 is a single layer, when the fibers are deposited on a strip-shaped net to manufacture the top sheet 2, the surface of the top sheet 2 on the skin side can be set as the surface that contacts the net by utilizing the fact that the fiber density on the side that contacts the net is higher than the fiber density on the side that does not contact the net.

[0072] Thus, in the absorbent article 1, the fiber density on the skin side of the two end portions (end regions EA) in the width direction W of the top sheet 2 is higher than the fiber density on the non-skin side. Therefore, in the width direction W, it is possible to prevent body fluids that diffuse from the central portion (central region CA) of the top sheet 2 toward the end portions from being easily transferred to the non-skin side of the end portions, and to prevent such body fluids from being easily transferred to the surface of the auxiliary sheet 5 located below the end portions in the thickness direction T. Thus, body fluids that reach the end portions can be retained at the end portions and not easily transferred in the width direction W, thereby making it easy for other body fluids to transfer from the central portion downward in the thickness direction T, i.e., toward the absorbent body 4. Thus, in the absorbent article 1, even when the amount of body fluid is large, it is possible to limit the transfer of body fluids in the width direction W, and to further suppress side leakage.

[0073] In this embodiment, the mass density of the top sheet 2 is lower than that of the auxiliary sheet 5. Therefore, when the absorbent article is used, the majority of bodily fluid excreted in the central area CA can be easily transferred from the lower-mass-density top sheet 2 toward the higher-mass-density auxiliary sheet 5 along the thickness direction T before transferring to the end areas EA along the width direction W. This reduces the amount of bodily fluid transferred to the ends (end areas EA) of the top sheet 2 in the width direction W. Consequently, in this absorbent article 1, even when the amount of bodily fluid is high, side leakage of bodily fluid can be further suppressed.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the absorbent body 4 is in a generally rectangular shape that is longer in the longitudinal direction L when viewed from above, and has a generally semicircular shape with both end sides in the longitudinal direction L. The absorbent body 4 includes an absorbent core 4a and a core wrap 4b that covers the absorbent core 4a. The length (width) of the absorbent body 4 in the width direction W is larger than the length (width) of the surface sheet 2 in the width direction W. Therefore, when viewed from above, the pair of end regions EA are respectively located at positions closer to the inside than the two end edges in the width direction W of the absorbent body 4. Thus, even if body fluids leak sideways from each end region of the pair of end regions EA along the width direction W, they can be absorbed by the absorbent body 4, thereby suppressing the final side leakage.

[0075] In this embodiment, the auxiliary sheet 5 and the portion of the pair of side sheets 6 on the non-skin side facing the absorber 4 are bonded to the skin-side surface of the absorber 4 by an adhesive (for example, a hot melt adhesive) in a predetermined pattern. The auxiliary sheet 5, the pair of side sheets 6, and the portion of the absorber 4 on the non-skin side facing the back sheet 3 are bonded to the back sheet 3 by an adhesive (for example, a hot melt adhesive) in a predetermined pattern, heat sealing, or the like.

[0076] In the absorbent article 1, the excretion opening contact area XA is positioned slightly forward of the center in the longitudinal direction L and in the center in the width direction W when viewed from above. The excretion opening contact area XA is the area that faces or contacts the user's excretion opening when the absorbent article 1 is in use. The excretion opening contact area XA can be appropriately set depending on the type and intended use of the absorbent article. For example, the excretion opening contact area XA is positioned slightly forward of the center in the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent body 4 and approximately in the center in the width direction W of the absorbent body 4. Its length is set to approximately 1 / 10 to 1 / 2 of the total length of the absorbent body 4, and its width is set to approximately 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the total width of the absorbent body 4.

[0077] In this embodiment, the absorbent article 1 has a longitudinal front region A in the longitudinal direction L. F , lengthwise central area A C and the rear area A in the longitudinal direction B . Lengthwise central area A CIncludes the excretion port contact area XA. Longitudinal front area A F The central area A in the longitudinal direction C The longitudinal direction L of the front region A is adjacent to the front of the excretion port contact region XA. B The central area A in the longitudinal direction C Adjacent to the rear in the longitudinal direction L, including the rear end in the longitudinal direction L of the excretion port contact area XA.

[0078] In the present embodiment, the absorbent article 1 has a plurality of holes in at least the excretion port contact area XA of the central area CA. As the plurality of holes, for example, a plurality of dot-shaped (circular) compression portions 15 formed by compressing the surface sheet 2, the auxiliary sheet 5 and the absorbent body 4 along the thickness direction T can be cited. However, the hole portion is not limited to this example, and other structures can be cited, such as holes (through holes) that pass through from the surface sheet 2 to the absorbent body 4, and holes (void holes) formed by intentionally generating fiber unevenness when the surface sheet 2 is formed by interweaving fibers. In addition, in the present embodiment, the top view shape of the compression portion 15 is a circle, but it can also be other shapes, such as a polygon, an ellipse, a star, a line, etc.

[0079] In this embodiment, the absorbent article 1 further includes a pair of compression portions (compression grooves) 12, a pair of compression portions (compression grooves) 13, and compression portions (compression grooves) 11 and 14. The pair of compression portions 12 are arranged at intervals in the outer portions on both sides of the width direction W of the excretion port contact area XA when viewed from above, and extend continuously or intermittently along the longitudinal direction L. The pair of compression portions 13 are arranged at intervals in the width direction W in the rear portions in the longitudinal direction L of the pair of compression portions 12 when viewed from above, and extend continuously or intermittently along the longitudinal direction L. The compression portions 11 and 14 are respectively located in front and rear in the longitudinal direction L of the excretion port contact area XA when viewed from above. The compression portions 11 to 14 are formed by compressing the surface sheet 2, the auxiliary sheet 5, and the absorbent body 4 (the portion of the core wrap 4b located on the skin side and the absorbent core 4a) in the thickness direction T. The bottoms of the compressions 11-14 in the thickness direction T are located within the absorbent core 4a, but may also extend to the non-skin-facing portion of the corewrap 4b. In this embodiment, the compressions 11-14 are linear in plan view, but may also be other shapes, such as polygons, circles, ellipses, stars, characters, or strings, or combinations of these shapes. Furthermore, at least one of the compressions 11-14 may be absent.

[0080] In this embodiment, the outer end edges of the pair of end regions EA in the width direction W (i.e., the outer end edges 2E of the top sheet 2) are located on the outer sides of the pair of compressed portions 12 and the pair of compressed portions 13 in the width direction W. However, the compressed portions 12a at the ends of the compressed portions 12 in the length direction L and the compressed portions 13a at the ends of the compressed portions 13 in the length direction L are excluded. Thus, when the absorbent article 1 is used, the portion of the absorbent article 1 that is closer to the outer side of the pair of compressed portions 12 (excluding the compressed portions 12a) in the width direction W can be deformed toward the skin side with the pair of compressed portions 12 as the starting point, and the portion of the pair of end regions EA in the top sheet 2 that is closer to the outer side of the pair of compressed portions 12 in the width direction W can also be deformed toward the skin side accordingly. The same applies to the portion of the absorbent article 1 that is closer to the outer side of the pair of compressed portions 13 (excluding the compressed portions 13a) in the width direction W.

[0081] In this way, in the absorbent article 1, the portion of the pair of end regions EA of the top sheet 2 that are closer to the outside of the pair of compressed portions 12 (, 13) in the width direction W can be deformed so as to stand up toward the skin side. Therefore, the two ends of the top sheet 2 in the width direction W can function like dams that protrude toward the skin side. As a result, in the width direction W, body fluids that spread from the central portion (central region CA) of the top sheet 2 toward the ends can be easily accumulated at the ends of the top sheet 2, and the leakage of the above-mentioned body fluids to positions closer to the outside of the ends can be suppressed.

[0082] In this embodiment, the compressed portions 12a at the ends of the compressed portions 12 and the compressed portions 13a at the ends of the compressed portions 13 are formed so as to straddle the outer edges in the width direction W of the end region EA (i.e., the outer edges 2E of the topsheet 2). Therefore, the pair of compressed portions 12a in the pair of compressed portions 12 and the pair of compressed portions 13a in the pair of compressed portions 13 can be said to be a pair of end compressed portions. When bodily fluid diffused from the central region CA reaches the end region EA during use of the absorbent article 1, the compressed portions 12a and 13a can quickly guide a portion of this bodily fluid toward the absorbent body 4 below. However, the compressed portions 12a and 13a are not limited to the ends of the compressed portions 12 and 13; they may also be located midway between the compressed portions 12 and 13 or separated from the compressed portions 12 and 13. The length of the compressed portions 12a and 13a in the direction of extension can be, for example, 1% to 20% of the length of the compressed portions 12 and 13 in the direction of extension, preferably 2% to 10%. If the lengths of the compressed portions 12a and 13a are short, it is difficult to produce the effects described below, and if they are long, it is difficult to produce the original effects of the end region EA.

[0083] Thus, when the absorbent article 1 is used, the absorbent article 1 can guide a portion of the body fluid that reaches the ends (end regions EA) of the top sheet 2 in the width direction W toward the absorbent body 4 below via the compressed portions 12a and 13a. This can prevent body fluid at the ends of the top sheet 2, or body fluid that is migrating outward from the ends, from migrating outward from the ends in the width direction W. Therefore, in the absorbent article 1, even when the amount of body fluid is large, side leakage of body fluid can be further suppressed.

[0084] In the present embodiment, when viewed from above, it is easier to confirm the color of the absorbent body 4 (including the color of the absorbent body when body fluids have been absorbed) by observing the portion on the outside of the end edge 2E of the surface sheet 2 in the width direction W than by observing the central portion in the width direction W of the surface sheet 2. Thus, by confirming the color of the absorbent body 4 visually recognized at the portion on the outside of the surface sheet 2, it is possible to confirm whether the body fluids have been absorbed to the end portion on the width direction W of the absorbent body 4. In the present embodiment, only the auxiliary sheet 5 is present in the portion on the outside of the surface sheet 2 in the thickness direction T. On the other hand, in the central portion (central area CA) of the surface sheet 2, there are the surface sheet 2 and the auxiliary sheet 5 in the thickness direction T. Therefore, the thickness of the portion on the outside of the end edge 2E of the surface sheet 2 can be made relatively thinner, so the color of the absorbent body 4 can be easily confirmed by observing the portion on the outside of the end edge 2E of the surface sheet 2.

[0085] Thus, in the absorbent article 1, when viewed from above, the color of the absorbent core 4 viewed through the portion (auxiliary sheet 5) outside the top sheet 2 is closer to the actual color of the absorbent core 4 than the color of the absorbent core viewed through the center portion of the top sheet 2 (top sheet 2 and auxiliary sheet 5). Therefore, by confirming the color of the absorbent core 4 visually recognized from the portion outside the top sheet 2, it is possible to confirm whether bodily fluid has been absorbed to the ends of the absorbent core 4 in the width direction W. This can avoid a situation where, even though bodily fluid has been absorbed to the ends of the absorbent core 4 in the width direction W and the time has come to replace the absorbent article 1, the bodily fluid is not fully absorbed by the absorbent core 4 due to not noticing this time, resulting in side leakage.

[0086] In particular, the core wrap 4b can also be colored. This makes it possible to more clearly identify the end edge of the absorbent body 4, thereby further preventing the following situation: even though it is time to replace the absorbent article 1, the body fluid is not fully absorbed by the absorbent body 4 due to not noticing this time, resulting in side leakage. Moreover, if colored, the color difference between the top sheet 2 and the core wrap 4b can be more easily seen, and thus can also be used as a reference for alignment in the width direction W and length direction L when wearing. Specifically, the difference in color between the top sheet 2 and the core wrap 4b (as viewed through the auxiliary sheet 5) is 3 or more in terms of ΔE.

[0087] The above-mentioned color difference is measured as follows.

[0088] (1) An X-Rite eXact Standard (measuring diameter: 1.5 mm) manufactured by X-Rite Corporation was prepared.

[0089] (2) Change the position to measure the CIE L*a*b* coordinates of the measured part of the sample at more than ten points, and calculate the average value of the above coordinates ([L1*, a1*, b1*]).

[0090] (3) Change the position to measure the L*a*b* coordinates of the comparison part of the sample at more than ten points, and calculate the average value of the above coordinates ([L2*, a2*, b2*]).

[0091] (4) Calculate the color difference ΔE by the following formula:

[0092] ΔE={(L1*-L2*) 2 +(a1*-a2*) 2 +(b1*-b2*) 2} 0 . 5 .

[0093] In this embodiment, when viewed from above, the absorbent article 1 has a pair of low-rigidity portions with lower rigidity between the central portion in the width direction W and the two end portions in the width direction W. Here, the central portion in the width direction W includes a surface sheet 2, an auxiliary sheet 5, and an absorbent body 4 stacked along the thickness direction T. On the other hand, the two end portions in the width direction include side sheets 6, an auxiliary sheet 5, and an absorbent body 4 stacked along the thickness direction T. The portion between the central portion in the width direction W and the two end portions includes the auxiliary sheet 5 and the absorbent body 4 stacked along the thickness direction T. Therefore, the portion between the central portion in the width direction W and the two end portions has fewer layers stacked along the thickness direction T, and can be said to be a pair of low-rigidity portions with lower rigidity. Therefore, when the absorbent article is used, the absorbent article can be easily deformed into a roughly letter W shape when viewed from the length direction, starting from the pair of low-rigidity portions.

[0094] In this way, the absorbent article 1 easily deforms into a roughly W-shaped shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction, starting from the pair of low-rigidity portions. Specifically, the two ends (end regions EA) of the absorbent article 1 in the width direction W can be raised relative to the skin. This reduces the amount of bodily fluid that flows toward the ends of the topsheet 2 in the width direction W. Consequently, the absorbent article 1 can further suppress lateral leakage of bodily fluid, even when the amount of bodily fluid is high.

[0095] In addition, the structure of the absorbent article 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned example. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing another structural example of the absorbent article 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 1 In this structural example, a pair of side panels 6 is not used, but the auxiliary panels 5 are replaced with the auxiliary panels 5 so as to extend further outwards in the width direction W. In this case, the above-mentioned effects can also be achieved.

[0096] However, the absorbent body 4 is not limited to the above-mentioned example. For example, as another embodiment, in the absorbent article 1, as another absorbent body, the length (width) of the absorbent body in the width direction W can also be smaller than the length (width) of the surface sheet 2 in the width direction W. In this case, when viewed from above, the pair of end areas EA are respectively located on the two outer sides in the width direction W of the absorbent body. Thus, when the absorbent article 1 is used, when the absorbent article 1 is clamped between the two thighs and a force toward the inner side in the width direction W is applied to the absorbent body, the non-bonded pair of end areas EA located on the outer side of the absorbent body are easily raised toward the skin side. That is, in the absorbent article 1 having such an absorbent body, the two end parts (end areas EA) of the surface sheet 2 in the width direction W can be easily raised toward the skin side. This can reduce the amount of body fluid that goes toward the end parts in the width direction W of the surface sheet 2. Therefore, in such a case, even when the amount of body fluid is large, the side leakage of body fluid can be further suppressed.

[0097] However, the compression portion (compression groove) is not limited to the above-mentioned example. For example, as another embodiment, the absorbent article 1 may also be provided with a pair of auxiliary compression portions (not shown) formed by compressing only the auxiliary sheet 5 on the outside of a pair of end regions EA in the width direction W when viewed from above, as other compression portions (compression grooves). That is, the auxiliary compression portion may be formed on the portion of the auxiliary sheet 5 on the outside of the end edge 2E of the outer side of the surface sheet 2 in the width direction W when viewed from above. In this case, when the absorbent article 1 is used, even if the body fluid diffused from the central area CA leaks outward from the end region EA, the pair of auxiliary compression portions can respectively and quickly introduce the body fluid into the absorbent body 4 below. Therefore, in the present absorbent article 1, even when the amount of body fluid is large, the side leakage of body fluid can be further suppressed.

[0098] In the present embodiment, the first fiber layer 2a contains water-retaining fibers, thereby making the skin feel of the surface sheet 2 good. The water-retaining fibers are not particularly limited as long as they are fibers that have the property of absorbing and retaining moisture (water-retaining properties). Examples of water-retaining fibers include cellulose fibers. In the present embodiment, cotton is used as the water-retaining fiber. The second fiber layer 2b contains hydrophobic fibers and water-retaining fibers. The hydrophobic fibers are not particularly limited as long as they are hydrophobic fibers. Examples of hydrophobic fibers include thermoplastic resin fibers. In the present embodiment, PET / PE core-sheath composite fibers are used as the hydrophobic fibers. The water-retaining fibers are the same as those of the first fiber layer 2a.

[0099] In the present embodiment, the auxiliary sheet 5 is not particularly limited as long as it is liquid-permeable, but for example, a liquid-permeable non-woven fabric, such as a non-woven fabric of hydrophobic fibers, can be cited, among which a non-woven fabric of thermoplastic resin fibers is preferably used. In addition, when the surface sheet 2 contains water-retaining fibers such as cotton, the auxiliary sheet 5 may also contain water-retaining fibers such as cotton corresponding thereto. In the absorbent article 1 of such a structure, water-retaining fibers with high liquid diffusivity are connected to the auxiliary sheet 5 from the first fiber layer 2a of the surface sheet 2 via the second fiber layer 2b. Therefore, by utilizing the liquid diffusion of body fluids caused by the above-mentioned fibers, body fluids can be more stably transferred from the surface sheet 2 via the auxiliary sheet 5 to the absorbent body 4, and the absorption performance can be improved while making the skin feel of the surface sheet 2 good.

[0100] In this embodiment, the absorbent core 4a of the absorbent body 4 is not particularly limited as long as it has liquid absorbency and liquid retention properties. Examples thereof include liquid-retaining materials containing absorbent fibers such as pulp fibers and water-absorbing materials such as superabsorbent polymers (SAP). The core wrap 4b is not particularly limited as long as it can maintain the shape of the absorbent core 4a. Examples thereof include liquid-permeable sheets including hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics such as tissue paper.

[0101] The side sheets 6 are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include waterproof nonwoven fabrics and breathable synthetic resin films. Furthermore, the back sheet 3 is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabrics, synthetic resin films, or composite sheets of these liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabrics and synthetic resin films. In this embodiment, the wing portions 9 are formed by the side sheets 6 and the back sheet 3.

[0102] The thickness of the sheet member is measured by the following method. The sheet member is cut into a size of 10 mm × 10 mm as a sample. Next, a digital microscope (manufactured by Keyence Co., Ltd.: VHX-100) is used to capture an enlarged image from a direction perpendicular to the cut surface of the sheet member on a cut surface parallel to the thickness direction T of the sample. The enlarged image is an image that is magnified to a magnification that can capture the entire thickness direction T of the sheet member, and the magnification is, for example, 20 times to 50 times. The thickness of the sheet member is measured in a 2D image converted from the obtained 3D image. For a sheet member, the thickness is measured at three different cut surfaces, and the average value of the thicknesses measured from a total of ten sheet members is set as the thickness of the sheet member.

[0103] Particularly when the sheet member is a material that is continuous in the longitudinal direction L (for example, the topsheet 2 ), the position of the cut surface of the captured image is set as follows.

[0104] (1) Width direction W

[0105] ·Regarding the non-bonding portion (for example, the portion not coated with adhesive and placed on the auxiliary sheet 5) of the end area (for example, the end area EA), it is set as the position of the boundary between the first partition and the second partition counted from the outer side in the width direction W when the non-bonding portion is divided into three equal parts along the width direction W.

[0106] The central region (for example, the central region CA) is defined as the central portion in the width direction W.

[0107] (2) Length direction L

[0108] The three positions in the longitudinal direction L of the garment fixing portion 7 are set as the front end, the center, and the rear end.

[0109] In addition, in a product without the garment fixing portion 7, the three positions are set as the base of the wing portion 9 (two positions at both ends in the longitudinal direction L) and the center of the wing portion 9 in the longitudinal direction L. In a product without either the garment fixing portion 7 or the wing 9, the positions are set as the center of the first, second, and third regions in the longitudinal direction L of each of the three parts of the product divided along the longitudinal direction L.

[0110] When the sheet members are intermittently arranged in the longitudinal direction L, the positions of the centers in the longitudinal direction L of the three parts of each sheet member divided along the longitudinal direction L are used (three positions in each sheet member).

[0111] However, in the aforementioned locations, where the material is compressed, such as embossing, hinges, or compressions, the position is set to be midway between the embossing, etc., i.e., midway between the locations where the material is not compressed. Furthermore, the position of the cut surface described above can be used for the measurement of fiber density described below.

[0112] In addition, the fiber density of the sheet member is measured as follows. The sheet member is cut into a size of 10 mm × 10 mm as a sample. Next, a scanning electron microscope (manufactured by JEOL Ltd.: JCM-5100) is used to magnify and observe the cross section parallel to the thickness direction T of the sample. The magnified image is an image that is magnified to a magnification that can capture the cross sections of 30 to 60 fibers, and the magnification is, for example, 150 times to 500 times. The number of fiber cross sections is measured in the 2D image converted from the obtained 3D image. That is, in a cross section of a predetermined area, the number of cross sections of the cut fibers is counted. The number of cross sections of the obtained fibers is converted into a value per 1 mm 2 The number of fiber cross sections is defined as the fiber density (fibers / mm 2 ). The measurement is performed at three locations, and the average value of the measured values ​​is set as the fiber density of the sample. That is, as the fiber density, the density of the number of fibers is used. In other words, as the fiber density, the number of fibers per unit area in the cross section parallel to the thickness direction T is used. In addition, as the fiber density, the number of fibers per unit volume can also be used. The number of fibers per unit volume can be calculated, for example, by analysis based on X-ray CT. Although the numerical values ​​of the fiber density per unit area and the fiber density per unit volume are different, the relative comparison of the fiber density between the fiber layers (for example: comparison of size) is the same.

[0113] In addition, the mass density of the sheet member is measured as follows. First, regarding the unit area weight of the sheet, the sheet is cut into a size of 5 cm × 5 cm as a sample, and the mass is measured after drying in an atmosphere above 100°C. The unit area weight of the sample is calculated by dividing the measured mass by the area of ​​the sample. The value obtained by averaging the unit area weights of ten samples is set as the unit area weight of the sheet. Next, regarding the thickness of the sheet, a 15 cm thick sample is used. 2 The thickness gauge with the probe (Model FS-60DS manufactured by Daiei Chemical Seiki Co., Ltd.) is 3g / cm 2 The thickness of each sample was measured under a measurement load of 1000 psi. The thickness of each sample was measured at three locations, and the average of the three thicknesses was defined as the thickness of each sample. The mass density of the sheet was calculated by dividing the weight of each sheet sample, calculated using the above method, by the thickness of each sheet sample, calculated using the above method.

[0114] The absorbent article of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate combinations and modifications can be made without departing from the purpose and spirit of the present invention.

[0115] Description of Reference Numerals

[0116] 1. Absorbent article; 2. Surface sheet; 4. Absorbent body; 5. Auxiliary sheet; CA, central area; EA, end area.

Claims

1. An absorbent article having a length direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction, comprising a top sheet, an absorbent body, and an auxiliary sheet located between the top sheet and the absorbent body, wherein: In the width direction, the length of the auxiliary sheet is greater than that of the surface sheet, and both ends of the auxiliary sheet extend outwards of both end edges of the surface sheet. The surface sheet comprises: a central region located in the center of the width direction; and a pair of end regions, the pair of end regions being located at both ends in the width direction and adjacent to both outer sides of the central region in the width direction, The length of each of the pair of end regions in the thickness direction is greater than the length of the central region in the thickness direction. The fiber density of each of the pair of end regions is lower than the fiber density of the central region.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein The absorbent article further includes a pair of compressed portions formed by compressing the surface sheet, the auxiliary sheet, and the absorbent body, extending along the longitudinal direction and arranged at intervals in the width direction. The outer end edges of each of the pair of end regions in the width direction are located on the outer sides of each of the pair of compressed portions in the width direction.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The pair of end regions are not joined to the auxiliary sheet, respectively.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein The length of the absorbent body in the width direction is smaller than the length of the surface sheet in the width direction. The pair of end regions are respectively located on both outer sides in the width direction of the absorbent body in a plan view.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein In a plan view, the color of the absorber is more easily recognized when viewed from a portion outside the end edge of the top sheet in the width direction than when viewed from a center portion of the top sheet in the width direction.

6. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The absorbent article further includes a pair of side panels joined to both end portions of the auxiliary sheet in the width direction and extending along the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article includes a pair of low rigidity portions having low rigidity between a central portion in the width direction and both end portions in the width direction in a plan view.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The fiber density on the skin side of each of the pair of end regions is higher than the fiber density on the non-skin side of each of the pair of end regions.

8. The absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein The absorbent article further includes a pair of end compression portions formed by compressing the topsheet, the auxiliary sheet, and the absorbent body, and formed so as to straddle outer edges in the width direction of the pair of end regions.

9. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The absorbent article further includes a pair of auxiliary compressed portions formed by compressing only the auxiliary sheet on the outer sides of the pair of end regions in the width direction in a plan view.

10. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The mass density of the surface sheet is lower than that of the auxiliary sheet.

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